Before the Rams traded quarterback Jared Goff, two first-round picks and a third-round pick to the Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Jets “checked in” with Detroit, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
The Jets were one of seven other teams to ask the Lions about Stafford, per Breer, but “talks didn’t go very far” between New York and Detroit when the Lions called back on Saturday.
Other teams included the Panthers, 49ers, Colts, Bears, Patriots and Washington. Stafford didn’t want to be traded to New England.
This report means Joe Douglas is looking at all his options before settling on his 2021 starter under center. Stafford would have been a great stop-gap quarterback, but not a long-term option for the Jets or worth the No. 2 overall pick.
With Sam Darnold alread on the roster, attention will now turn toward the Jets’ potential pursuit of Deshaun Watson, even though the Texans remain adamant they won’t trade him. Since the Stafford trade, the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reported that the Texans want two first-round picks, two second-round picks and two young defensive starters for their 25-year-old quarterback.
If the Jets decide not to get into the Watson sweepstakes, they could easily draft a quarterback at No. 2 or keep Darnold. Either way, the report about the Jets asking about Stafford means Douglas is more than willing to explore other options.