The New York Jets have a long-term question at quarterback. That’s certainly an understatement, to say the least.
The Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year deal to see what he could bring to the table. Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out, and he was benched. Tyrod Taylor started New York’s last three games but got hurt against the Miami Dolphins. Now, signs are pointing towards undrafted rookie Brady Cook getting a start this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Fields and Taylor both injured.
After the season, Taylor will be a free agent. Fields is guaranteed $10 million, but after being benched, there’s no way to know if New York will bring him back for another year. There are certainly long-term questions here.
NFL analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky had an intriguing idea. On “UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio,” Orlovsky talked about Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and said there are three teams that should do everything possible to try to land him this upcoming offseason — including the Jets.
Should the Jets call the Bengals? Orlovsky said, “Obviously there’s a lot of similarities here to Andrew Luck. It would shock me if three teams weren’t on the phone today, after what (Joe Burrow) said yesterday, figuring out how do we make him part of our football team. Now, three months from now, six months from now, a year from now. He obviously is in a bad place with that organization. It’s not surprising. I would be very surprised if he chooses not to play football.”
Orlovsky named the Jets, Raiders, and Steelers as the three teams that, if he were in their shoes, he’d be brainstorming ways to acquire Joe Burrow. “I don’t necessarily care what it takes,” he added.
Of course, there’s currently no clear reason for the Bengals to trade Burrow. He’s a top-tier quarterback on a long-term contract. Orlovsky’s comments come after Burrow made headlines on his 29th birthday with some candid thoughts about his future.
“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it,” Burrow said, as transcribed by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “You know, I’ve been through a lot. And if it’s not fun, what am I doing it for?”
When asked when football stopped being fun, Burrow responded, “I’m not sure there was a singular moment or time. It’s just reflection. Reflection on a lot of things that I’ve done and been through in my career, I think. You know, I’ve been through more than most, and it’s certainly not easy on the brain or the body, so I’m just trying to have fun doing it again.”
Burrow has had another injury-filled season in Cincinnati, and the Bengals have struggled overall. If, for some reason, the Bengals even entertain the idea of letting Burrow go, New York should obviously be all over him — like most teams in the league would be.
Right now, this can be chalked up as a pipe dream. But after Burrow’s recent comments, it’s at least something worth discussing.
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