New York Jets: Say No to Colin Kaepernick

There are conflicting reports about whether Colin Kaepernick is interested in playing for the New York Jets, who have been looking for a franchise quarterback for decades. Should they look into acquiring the 49ers signal-caller?

Ryan Fitzpatrick has rapidly become a favorite of the New York Jets’ fans. Most everyone wants him back, but they know that he isn’t the long-term answer. What if another quarterback came along, with the potential to be that answer for a very long time? What should they do?

The New York Daily News, via Manish Mehta, reported earlier this week that Colin Kaepernick wants to come to New York and play for the Jets. Reports have come out since that conflict with the Daily News account (via Don Cosentino of NJ.com), but nonetheless, it’s out there. Leave it as Kaepernick might want to be a Jet.

Brandon Marshall was presented with the idea during ESPN’s “First Take”, and asserted that he didn’t want Kaepernick because of his comfort level with his owncurrent quarterback. My colleague, Maurice Moton, believes Kaepernick should be a “Plan C“, if they can’t come to terms with Fitzpatrick and if Petty isn’t quite ready.

I, on the other hand, side with Marshall. The Jets should take no part in any negotiation to trade for Kaepernick. He simply isn’t that good.

Granted, Kapernick was terrific when he took over the 49ers and led them to a Super Bowl berth in 2012. He found the magic with head coach Jim Harbaugh, throwing for 21 touchdowns compared to only eight interceptions in 2013, and the team finished 12-4 and again reached the NFC title game. His interceptions went to 10 in 2014, and his touchdown pass to interception ratio was 6:5 this season before being benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert.

Keep that in mind. He didn’t exactly get benched in favor of Joe Montana. Kaepernick was second string behind Gabbert. Is this the guy to lead the Jets into the future?

Secondly, with Kaepernick only 28 years old, you are essentially giving up on Petty. Colin comes in and takes the job, Bryce will never see the field. Petty has only been a member of the Jets for one season. He needs more time before they bring in another potential franchise quarterback. He deserves a chance before the team gives up on him.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

The Jets don’t have a ton of money to spend this year. Mike Maccagnan is going to have to be creative. According to Over the Cap, they only have a little bit over $10 million to spend. Kaepernick’s base salary for 2016, under his current contract is $11.9 million, and his cap number is a little over $15.8 million.

To bring in a quarterback for that type of money, that is questionable at best, is going to put the Jets in a bind when trying to bring back other players, such as Damon Harrison and Chris Ivory, to name a couple.

Kaepernick just hasn’t done enough in his career to prove himself worth that type of money.

More nfl spin zone: The Jets Need Damon Harrison Back

Finally, Marshall is absolutely right about his quarterback. As they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The Jets should do what they have to in order to bring back Fitzpatrick. He is at home with Chan Gailey’s offense and both sides want the other. Allow the “Fitzmagic” more time to lead this team and mentor Petty.

Whether he wants to be here or not, the Jets need to stay away from Kaepernick. He isn’t worth the investment.

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