A new rumor about a rival AFC team's offseason plans gives the New York Jets a trio of QB trade options they could get for very cheap.
A year ago, the NY Jets thought they had reason to be optimistic about the 2025 NFL season. They completely cleaned out their management structure, hiring Darren Maugi as their new general manager, and bringing in one-time franchise star Aaron Glenn as their new head coach.
They then made one of the first major successes of the offseason when they signed former first-round pick Justin Fields after a productive season in limited action with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, his six starts in 2024 proved foolish, and he was a disaster for the NY Jets last season. Throwed for less than 100 yards in four of his nine starts.
This means the NY Jets should look at the QB market again this offseason. However, this year's quarterback class in the draft is not good, so if they select one in April, he will likely be a late-round project. That leaves the free agent and trade market.
Browns may put QB on trade block soon
Unfortunately for New York, the free agent market is about as thin as the options in the NFL Draft. That means if the team adds a signal caller of note, it will likely be via a trade. And a new rumor has opened up three options.
According to cleveland.com Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, the team will "explore outside options, including Green Bay Packers backups Malik Willis and [Ty] Simpson" in the draft. If they add another player to their crowded QB room, that means the Browns will trade for one of Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, or Shadure Sanders.
The option to bring in any of the three probably won't excite NY Jets fans, but the options for acquisitions this offseason are not bad. There are many reasons to believe that all three could be better in different situations. But, most importantly, with all of their low prices, Gang Green can get them in a trade for pretty cheap.
Making a case for the NY Jets to trade for Watson, Sanders, or Gabriel
Watson was once one of the most unappreciated in sports. However, he is in the final year of a massive $230 million deal through 2022. While he has been a disaster in Cleveland and is coming off double surgery on his Achilles, he is still a three-time Pro Bowler. If New York can pick up the 30-year-old on Day 3 and the Browns pick up half of his remaining contract, the Jets should consider it.
Watson will certainly be motivated to prove himself, to show that he is still a starting QB in the league and earn his next contract. The biggest issue in a deal may be the public relations fallout after the QB misses the 2021 season due to sexual assault allegations.
There were rumors prior to the 2025 NFL Draft that Sanders wanted to play in New York. The 24-year-old would be a perfect fit for Gotham and, at the very least, will get fans a little more excited about the 2026 season. As far as Gabriel is concerned, he still has a lot of potential. The Browns used a third-rounder on him, and he was a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
Both could potentially be available for fifth-round picks and this is another low-cost option the NY Jets should consider this offseason.
