Why quarterback should be on the table for Jets' first-round pick

The New York Jets have done a fantastic job this offseason addressing some of their biggest needs on the offense, including major additions to the offensive line (Tyron Smith, John Simpson) and wide receiver (Mike Williams).

That could give the Jets some interesting options in the 2024 NFL Draft and put them in a position where they should consider entering the quarterback derby at the top.

The logic here is simple — the Jets already have a top-10 pick, have meaningfully addressed their biggest needs on offense, and still have a really strong defense that does not have many holes. This is also an extremely deep draft for quarterbacks, and even though the position (should) be secured this season with Aaron Rodgers, they will have a long-term need there.

Not only because Rodgers will turn 41 in December but also because he is coming off a major injury. His short-term and long-term future with the team should be questioned.

Given how close the Jets are already to the top of the draft, they should explore some trade options to see if there is a chance to move up for one of the top-tier prospects (Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy) or if the second-tier quarterbacks (Michael Penix, Bo Nix) are worthy of a pick in the first round.

Moving up to the No. 1 or 2 spots for Williams or Maye might be unrealistic and be too expensive for the Jets to pay. But if somebody like New England (No. 3), Arizona (No. 4), or Los Angeles (No. 5) is willing to dangle its pick to a quarterback-needy team, the Jets should consider getting in on that.

You can not seriously compete for a championship in the NFL without having the quarterback spot locked down, and nobody knows that as well as the Jets. While they might think they have their answer this season with Rodgers, they will quickly find themselves in quarterback purgatory again when Rodgers retires or decides he wants to do something else with his life. 

Given how strong this year's quarterback class is and how weak next year's is, the Jets should try to address it as soon as possible.