With many options on the table at the quarterback position for the New York Jets, we sort out the real players and the tempting posers.

Forget about the broken record for a moment. The ongoing discussion surrounding a franchise quarterback and the New York Jets is far more excruciating than the oft-used, old-school phrase uttered by everybody you know.

Whether the time was the late 1970s or the 1983 NFL Draft with many options available, or now, the 2017 offseason, these Jets and their quest to find that firm face of the franchise whose fingers become far too acquainted with the center’s backside is everlasting.

Finding the next Joe Namath is all that matters, especially considering this day and age of football that sees the pigskin fly through the air more frequently than ever.

This spot of the internet will break down each QB face the New York Jets are linked to this offseason. It can be a draft prospect, a rumored trade piece, a free agent or, even, a current quarterback on the roster.

First, we begin with the current New York Jets and key you in on whether they’re a “player” or a “poser.”

Current Jets QBs

Posers:

Bryce Petty

It’s scary to think New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan drafted two quarterbacks during his first two years and neither is a stud. Even scarier is the idea that each guy represents a solid draft position, round two and four.

Bryce Petty is the one who’s experienced playing time. In six total games and four games started in 2016, the second-year pro threw for 809 yards and three touchdowns to seven interceptions.

Nothing about his play indicates that there’s something there. His raw physical tools are bright. His arm is fantastic and he looks every bit the part, but what’s between the ears at the pro QB level leaves a lot to be desired.

Christian Hackenberg

Speaking of leaving a lot to be desired, Penn State product Christian Hackenberg was so poor in the early going that he basically red-shirted his rookie season in the NFL.

One of the weakest arguments presented by a Jets fan comes when they say, “Hey, look at Aaron Rodgers. Forcing the young QB to sit the first few years is the only way to go.”

Wrong.

For all we know, Aaron Rodgers was ready from day one. For all we know, he may even be greater if he played from day one. Brett Favre was the only reason he didn’t play from day one.

Hackenberg isn’t being held back because Mike Maccagnan is forcing it. He’s far away from the field simply due to the fact he stinks.

Reports about his accuracy are scary — the most important attribute at this level, by the way. And, to top it off, his mind — when looking to dissect defenses at this level — is comparable to Petty’s during his rookie season.

The way Mikey Mac has drafted QBs during his first two seasons has provided a feeling of John Idzik reborn instead of Bill Parcells revisited.

Free Agent QBs

Players:

Mike Glennon

If the first weakest argument surrounds forcing rookie QBs to watch and learn, the next weakest argument revolves around the dark cloud hanging over free agent quarterbacks.

No, Brock Osweiler hasn’t worked out with the Houston Texans. This doesn’t automatically mean all free agent QBs are bad moves waiting to happen.

A perfect case in point gets brought to the table with Mike Glennon.

Many will look at Glennon and point to Osweiler. They’ll claim he stinks simply because he hasn’t played in over two seasons.

If you claim this, I have one question for you: Are you really this short sided?

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in the fortunate position to draft a can’t miss franchise QB in Jameis Winston, how could they ever pass it up? Glennon remained a backup purely due to the fact the Bucs wouldn’t relent him unless a first-round pick came back in exchange.

This is how highly they think of the kid.

The playing time Glennon did see in Tampa turned out to favor the kid who took over for Russell Wilson at N.C. State:

A stat line of 4,100 yards and 30 touchdowns to 15 interceptions with a less than stellar supporting cast is nothing to sneeze at. The question, with Glennon, will come down to price. As long as the Jets don’t have to go into an obscene state salary-wise, this guy is my choice as the 2017 starting quarterback.

Kirk Cousins

The guy is a solid quarterback. That much can never be taken away from him. While we label him a “player,” however, this will never be a true option for the Jets. Kirk Cousins costs too much and simply doesn’t fit with the O-line in the current weak state it’s in.

Posers:

Nick Foles

Aside from his 2013 season that saw him put up a ridiculous 27 touchdowns to two interceptions with the Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Foles has done very little in the NFL. He’s a career backup at this point in his life.

Geno Smith

It really is a shame when thinking about Geno Smith because he does possess a few great qualities. He’s tough, especially in the pocket when the rush is bearing down on him. His arm is nearly legendary, considering his release and power. His mobility is also splendid for a pocket-passer (which he undoubtedly is).

The problem for Geno always has been between the ears. He’s never shown the ability to dissect a defense and truly take advantage of matchups.

To be honest, Smith going down with the knee in 2016 was the best career move for him at the time. He would never have seen success behind such a horrid O-line.

Hopefully, he catches on with a squad and lucks out with action.

Mark Sanchez

All sentimental feelings and values aside, bringing back Mark Sanchez makes no sense. He’s much better than what he’s shown since leaving New York and much worse than winning four road playoff games during the 2009-10 NFL playoffs.

Part of the reason he couldn’t capitalize on his early success comes down to Rex Ryan’s inability to instil confidence, rather than harping on the dreaded turnover (while always thinking about what’s best for his defense).

At this point, though, it’s over for the Sanchize.

Tradeable QBs

Players:

Jimmy Garoppolo, NE

Again, when evaluating Jimmy Garoppolo, the negative aspect in regards to trading for or signing a quarterback comes into play. The Brock Osweilers are pointed to and fans run for the hills in disgust.

Do not evaluate QBs in this fashion. Instead, look at the actual player.

Garoppolo may be a stud. What he’s shown at the NFL level has been significant. Not only are his raw physical tools bright, but the way he reads defenses and commands the offense is stellar.

No, this guy isn’t Matt Cassel and is, in fact, worth a first-round draft pick. The only problem is the Jets have no shot of the kid thanks to the Patriots unwillingness to deal within the division.

The only thing I’m concerned with in regards to Garoppolo is his health. He’s been banged up far too often during such a small sample size.

Posers:

Tony Romo, DAL

There’s no doubting his skill. He’s accomplished more in the NFL at the position than so many others.

There’s just no chance anybody in the Jets position could take a chance on a 36-year-old QB who needs a stretcher every time he’s touched by the opposition.

New York is in the position of building, not adding the finishing touches. The Denver Broncos, a squad that is deeper and readymade is a team who could use the services of Romo.

Tyrod Taylor, BUF

Tyrod Taylor is, perhaps, the toughest QB to decide on when going down the list. He’s shown extremely promising signs in Buffalo and at 27-years-old is entering the prime of his career.

There are reports that Buffalo is ready to move on from the kid after just two seasons under center. His 37-to-12 TD-INT ratio is fantastic, but a lot of his positives come from a mobility standpoint. 

Taylor’s skill set only flourishes if the offensive coordinator and franchise is behind him 100 percent, meaning a special type offense is needed.

With the state of the offensive line and the depth chart, the Jets are better off going younger and more traditional. He’s a solid QB. He’s just not a franchise QB.

Jay Cutler, CHI

His talents are special. Make no mistake about it. Also, now that Jeremy Bates is in tow as the QB coach, Jay Cutler‘s name will be bandied about.

He’s simply too old and too expensive for New York’s current rebuilding situation. Cutler makes no sense.

Colin Kaepernick, SF

Speaking of mobile QBs, Colin Kaepernick is actually coming off a season that saw him put up 16 touchdowns to just four interceptions. These numbers aren’t bad on the surface. He even rushed for 468 yards and two scores.

The problem is, Chip Kelly was his offensive coordinator. His system allows for complete QB freedom, while the Jets don’t swing that way.

Though he has enticing positives, Kaepernick is more a product of the genius of Jim Harbaugh and a time in the NFL that saw mobile QBs take advantage of the read-option. Those are days are gone. The NFL has caught up to that gimmick and the traditional pocket-passer is, once again, ruling the roost.

Draft Prospects

Players:

Patrick Mahomes, TT

The reason Patrick Mahomes finds himself on the players’ list is directly related to his draft position. He won’t cost the Jets a first-round pick.

Sure, Mahomes played at Texas Tech, a system that is completely foreign to the NFL, but his skill set is intriguing for a second or third round selection. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Mahomes possesses mobility, a strong arm and improved accuracy. At times he’ll rely on his feet too much, but that can be remedied.

Nathan Peterman, PITT

The real steal in the draft could come in the form of Nathan Peterman. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Peterman represents a pure pocket-passer who played in an NFL system at Pitt.

The reason why he’s not going to fly off the board until the third or fourth round this spring is because his raw physical tools aren’t supreme. But guess what? Neither were Tom Brady’s.

Peterman’s poise, confidence and leadership abilities are exactly what a young QB in the NFL calls for.

Posers:

Mitch Trubisky, UNC

Don’t get me wrong, I like Mitch Trubisky. His talent is far superior than any other QB in the crop. The problem with the raw talent is not only his experience (only having started one season in college), and his draft projection (top 10 selection).

The reason he’s on the posers’ list is because his top 10 projection doesn’t warrant his actual value. In the Jets situation, it’s too risky when the rest of the depth chart needs much plugging.

A mid-round QB selection is far more realistic and prudent at this point in the rebuilding phase, regardless of what the Jets feel about the UNC product.

Deshaun Watson, Clemson

Admittedly, Deshaun Watson is the trickiest of all QB prospects. He feels much more polished than Vince Young. His talents from the pocket seem like they will translate to the NFL.

Much like Trubisky, however, the price (a first-round pick) is too costly for a guy I’m not fully in love with.

DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame

Again, DeShone Kizer, in my opinion, is in the spot of “over drafted” at this current point in time.

Final Thoughts

There are entirely too many holes up and down the depth chart to acquire a QB and fail. Drafting disappointments in Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg and deploying the “aggressive rebuild” approach has put Mike Maccagnan in this unfortunate position.

Therefore, acquiring a Tony Romo or Jay Cutler or even drafting a guy in the top 10 is far too risky. It’d cost the Jets either a ton of money or much time invested for a QB when the team isn’t even ready to win yet.

Going the route of a Mike Glennon at a solid price (while the rest of the league is scared off thanks to Brock Osweiler) or drafting a Patrick Mahomes or Nathan Peterman during the mid-rounds of the draft is the Jets best bet. Glennon is the top choice. Not only does he bring youth and a potential franchise QB to the table, but he represents a veteran guy who can start right away while the Jets can still employ both Petty and Hack.

Should the Jets draft another QB, where is the room to sign a veteran guy? Petty would have to be cut in that situation.

Make no mistake about it, the Jets are in a very delicate situation right now, but one that offers plenty of options.