The New York Jets may be putting on signals on their plans for the 2021 NFL Draft by what they do when free agency officially kicks off, where they are expected by many to be big spenders as they look to turn things around.
While many have tried to figure out what the Jets were going to do at quarterback, their connection to New England Patriots free agent center Joe Thuney may be the indicator that the Jets already know what they are going to do when they are officially on the clock.
According to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes, when the negotiating period officially opens later today, one of the first calls made by Jets general manager Joe Douglas will be Thuney’s camp to work out a deal.
With the second overall pick, the Jets have been connected to everyone from Zach Wilson to Devonta Smith to Penei Sewell, but if they are able to land Thuney, and their reported interest, shows us that Sewell is likely not the pick at #2, as they will be addressing a big need along the offensive line in free agency.
Which leads us to the most important position in football – quarterback.
BYU’s Zach Wilson seems to be the hottest name in the mock draft and analyst universe, and while Ohio State’s Justin Fields may get consideration, my money is on the Jets drafting Wilson next month. That move likely leads to a draft-day deal that sends current Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold to another team, and my money is on that team being the Chicago Bears, if Darnold is not traded beforehand.
Bringing in Wilson to a team that has a much improved offensive line featuring Thuney, and tackle Mekhi Becton who was impressive during his rookie season, gives the Jets a solid foundation to build upon. One that won’t be mucked up by the idiocy of someone like Adam Gase, and that should put the Jets, finally, on the right path in their re-build.
