New York Jets: Best-case scenario for quarterback room
There’s one scenario that makes sense for the New York Jets quarterback room in 2018 — Josh McCown being the third-string quarterback.
Right now on the unofficial depth cart (because depth charts can’t be official in the preseason), the New York Jets list Josh McCown as the starting quarterback. That makes sense for now, but come Week 1 in Detroit, McCown needs to be moved to the third-string quarterback spot and be inactive on game days.
During the free agency period, the Jets held the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. At that pick, they were highly unlikely to land Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield. So they were likely staring at a perceived project quarterback at No. 6.
Then, after re-signing McCown and signing Teddy Bridgewater, they were able to maneuver their way up to the No. 3 spot by striking a deal with the Colts. However, even then, landing Darnold seemed like a pipe dream.
Then Roger Goodell stepped to the podium: Baker Mayfield at No. 1 to the Browns, Saquon Barkley at No. 2 to the Giants. As soon as Goodell uttered those words, Jets fans realized they finally had their franchise quarterback.
However, that put the Jets in a quandary. Do they start the rookie right away if Bridgewater is healthy? Do they start McCown because of the rough schedule to start to the season?
McCown has essentially been a teacher throughout training camp, and inactive players are allowed on the sidelines. So the best answer for the Jets is simple. If the Jets believe Darnold is capable of starting Week 1 in Detroit and Bridgewater’s knee holds up, then have McCown be the third-string quarterback and essentially be the assistant quarterbacks coach with Bridgewater as the backup.
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This scenario would provide the Jets with the best-case scenario. Darnold would get to learn on the job. They’d have a quarterback as his backup who’s led a team to the playoffs, and they’d have a veteran helping the rookie learn.
The Jets have been waiting for a scenario like this for a long time. It’s a win-win, if Bridgewater can remain healthy. Their future is finally bright at the quarterback position.