New York Jets: Mike Glennon Should Top Wishlist in NFL Free Agency
In dire need for a quarterback, the New York Jets should make a run at signing Mike Glennon in 2017 NFL free agency.
Since the glory days of Joe Namath, it seems like the New York Jets have been searching for a franchise quarterback. The 2016 NFL season may have seen New York's worst quarterback play ever. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Bryce Petty combined for a league-worst 67.6 average team passer rating, per teamrankings.com. That's brutal.
Not only that, but Christian Hackenberg—New York's second-round draft selection in 2016—did not even take a snap and is considered a long-term project at best.
That's why the Jets need to actively pursue and then sign free agent quarterback Mike Glennon. Could the North Carolina State product be the franchise signal-caller New York has been searching for all these many years? Time will tell. However, it's certainly a gamble worth taking.
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A third-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Glennon enjoyed a fine rookie campaign with the Bucs, tossing 19 touchdowns passes with nine interceptions in 13 starts. He averaged 200.6 passing yards per game and completed 59.4 percent of his throws.
The Bucs signed Josh McCown to a two-year pact the following season, so Glennon was relegated to backup duty. Jameis Winston was the top overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and has been Tampa Bay's starter ever since. With all that being said though, Glennon has 30 career touchdown passes in 18 starts and will be in demand once free agency commences on March 9.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Chicago Bears are also interested in Glennon's services and the Pittsburgh Steelers are as well, per steelersdepot.com. The free agent market for quarterbacks is somewhat dry this year, so Glennon is one of the top options available.
He is still just 27 years old and his 6-7 frame is an advantage in the pocket because he can see over defenders more easily. As long as he doesn't want to break the Jets bank, signing Glennon to a three or four-year contract is smart for two reasons. First, he may turn out to be the franchise quarterback New York has been looking for so many seasons, although there is no guarantee.
Secondly, if the Jets sign Glennon, they can then concentrate on filling their numerous other needs in the draft. The offensive line and defensive backfield come immediately to mind. The Jets are now in full rebuilding mode. Glennon can grow with them and still be in his prime years when New York is ready to compete again. It makes all the sense in the world.
