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Could Jets show interest in Drew Brees, Colin Kaepernick if available?
4:51 PM ET
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer
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The season is over, but the mailbag lives on. The New York Jets' question of the week:
Morey Stone @Morey515
@RichCimini what's the market for kaepernick? Brees available? #jetsmail
11:27 AM - 8 Jan 2016
@RichCimini: First of all, let me say this: I believe the Jets' objective is to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick. There's an obvious comfort level with him, and he has a good thing going with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Fitzpatrick also is a willing mentor to Bryce Petty, who may or may not be the quarterback of the future. I think the organization values Fitzpatrick from that standpoint, seeing him as a "bridge" quarterback.
I don't think the Jets will deviate from their plan unless Kirk Cousins becomes available. I don't think the Washington Redskins will let him hit the open market, but the Jets would have to be interested because he's a young, ascending player. Like I said, it's probably a moot point because, unless the Redskins are crazy, he won't get the chance to explore free agency.
What if Colin Kaepernick and/or Drew Brees shake free?
From all indications, Brees will remain with the New Orleans Saints, eating up a ridiculous $30 million of their 2016 salary cap. If he were to become available, he'd be the ultimate hired gun, shades of Brett Favre in 2008. The Jets would turn 2016 into a Super Bowl-or-bust season, taking on a 37-year-old future Hall of Famer. Me? I'd go for it, but there are some red flags: His contract ($19.75 million salary for 2016) and a recent foot injury.
As for Kaepernick, it's hard to predict his future because the San Francisco 49ers don't have a coach. My hunch tells me he's not going anywhere. The new coach, especially if it's Chip Kelly, will make Kaepernick his pet project. Plus, I don't think he'd be a factor for the Jets because of the way his contract is structured. The 49ers have until April 1 to make a decision. If he's still on the roster, his $11.9 million salary for '16 becomes guaranteed. The Jets will have the quarterback situation resolved long before April 1.
Kaepernick's play has declined in recent years and he has a torn ligament in his throwing thumb. General manager Mike Maccagnan isn't averse to risk, but I'd be surprised if he entertains this much of a gamble. He'd have to give up at least a second- or third-round pick for Kaepernick, and I don't see that happening.
4:51 PM ET
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer
comment
The season is over, but the mailbag lives on. The New York Jets' question of the week:
Morey Stone @Morey515
@RichCimini what's the market for kaepernick? Brees available? #jetsmail
11:27 AM - 8 Jan 2016
@RichCimini: First of all, let me say this: I believe the Jets' objective is to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick. There's an obvious comfort level with him, and he has a good thing going with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. Fitzpatrick also is a willing mentor to Bryce Petty, who may or may not be the quarterback of the future. I think the organization values Fitzpatrick from that standpoint, seeing him as a "bridge" quarterback.
I don't think the Jets will deviate from their plan unless Kirk Cousins becomes available. I don't think the Washington Redskins will let him hit the open market, but the Jets would have to be interested because he's a young, ascending player. Like I said, it's probably a moot point because, unless the Redskins are crazy, he won't get the chance to explore free agency.
What if Colin Kaepernick and/or Drew Brees shake free?
From all indications, Brees will remain with the New Orleans Saints, eating up a ridiculous $30 million of their 2016 salary cap. If he were to become available, he'd be the ultimate hired gun, shades of Brett Favre in 2008. The Jets would turn 2016 into a Super Bowl-or-bust season, taking on a 37-year-old future Hall of Famer. Me? I'd go for it, but there are some red flags: His contract ($19.75 million salary for 2016) and a recent foot injury.
As for Kaepernick, it's hard to predict his future because the San Francisco 49ers don't have a coach. My hunch tells me he's not going anywhere. The new coach, especially if it's Chip Kelly, will make Kaepernick his pet project. Plus, I don't think he'd be a factor for the Jets because of the way his contract is structured. The 49ers have until April 1 to make a decision. If he's still on the roster, his $11.9 million salary for '16 becomes guaranteed. The Jets will have the quarterback situation resolved long before April 1.
Kaepernick's play has declined in recent years and he has a torn ligament in his throwing thumb. General manager Mike Maccagnan isn't averse to risk, but I'd be surprised if he entertains this much of a gamble. He'd have to give up at least a second- or third-round pick for Kaepernick, and I don't see that happening.
