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When the New York Jets gave a contract to quarterback Josh McCown on March 20, it was not a good sign in more ways than one. McCown has a reputation as a good locker-room guy and is skilled enough to have remained in the league since 2002. But McCown turns 38 years old in July, is 2-20 in his last 22 starts and is 13 seasons removed from the only time he started more than 11 games in a season.
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McCown has not been in the recent discussions around the quarterback-needy league -- controversial or otherwise -- that included Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, Colin Kaepernick, Mike Glennon and even Brock Osweiler.
Signing McCown may be seen as the final flourish in an off-season that positions the Jets for a top pick in the 2018 draft. Oh, yes, they pick No. 6 overall in this year's draft.
Before signing McCown, the Jets shed three-fifths of their offensive line - including future Ring of Honor inductee Nick Mangold - as well as future Hall of Fame cornerback Darrelle Revis, wide receiver Brandon Marshall and kicker Nick Folk in a spate of transactions that cleared more than $45 million in cap room.
Here is a closer look at where the Jets are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft.
2016 finish: 4th AFC East (5-11)
TOTAL OFFENSE: 329.3 (26th)
RUSHING: 112.6 (12th)
PASSING: 216.6 (27th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 342.4 (11th)
RUSHING: 98.8 (11th)
PASSING: 243.6 (17th)
1. Offensive line: The Jets probably won't find their much-needed franchise quarterback in this draft, but maybe they can discover one or two guys to protect him. The offensive line is in the midst of a complete overhaul, with only guard James Carpenter remaining from the 2015 season opener. There aren't any can't-miss offensive linemen in the top 10, so don't be surprised if general manager Mike Maccagnan trades down from the No. 6 pick to get his lineman as well as an extra pick.
2. Cornerback/safety: The Jets used to be loaded at cornerback and empty at safety. Now they're in dire need of help at both positions. If Maccagnan stays at No. 6, he should be able to pick from the likes of cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie or safeties Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker.
3. Tight end: There's de-emphasizing a position, and then there's what the Jets did with the tight end under former offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. Tight ends caught just 26 passes the last two years. A team with as many needs as the Jets probably can't reach for Alabama tight end O.J. Howard early in the first round, but they'll almost surely add a tight end sooner than later.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
LT Ben Ijalana: Unrestricted free agent; $10.25M/2 yrs, $2M SB/$3M guaranteed.
OLB Corey Lemonier: UFA; $855K/1 yr, $40K guaranteed.
OLB Josh Martin: UFA; $3.8M/2 yrs, $450K SB/$850K guaranteed.
LS Tanner Purdum: UFA; $980K/1 yr, $80K SB/$400K guaranteed.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
T Kelvin Beachum: UFA Jaguars; $24M/3 yrs, $4.5M SB/$12M guaranteed.
K Chandler Catanzaro: Not tendered as RFA by Cardinals; terms unknown.
CB Morris Claiborne: UFA Cowboys; $5M/1 yr, $2M SB.
C/G Jonotthan Harrison: Not tendered as RFA by Colts; terms unknown.
QB Josh McCown: FA Browns; $6M/1 yr, $6M guaranteed.
WR Quinton Patton: UFA 49ers; $825K/1 yr, $25K SB.
DT Mike Pennel: FA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
K Nick Folk (released).
T Breno Giacomini (released/failed physical).
C Nick Mangold (released/failed physical).
WR Brandon Marshall (released).
CB Darrelle Revis (released).
RB Khiry Robinson (released).
QB Geno Smith: UFA Giants; $1.2M/1 yr, $300K guaranteed.
NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 6 overall).
Rob Rang (March 27 mock draft):
O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama. If the Jets indeed plan on entering next year with Josh McCown, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg at quarterback, adding weapons in the passing game is a must. After spectacular performances at the Senior Bowl and Combine, Howard is gaining traction as the top pass-catcher in this draft and a top-10 pick.
Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):
Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina. In his two drafts as general manager of the Jets, Mike Maccagnan has drafted two quarterbacks in the top four rounds (Bryce Petty, Christian Hackenberg). But neither should preclude New York from drafting a quarterback high in this class and the Jets have shown interest in Trubisky.
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Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?
Based on the team's current status, those are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate see NFLDraftScout.com's full mocks and ratings.
Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX team insiders contributed to this article.
