Despite conventional wisdom, free agent quarterback Mike Glennon is not destined to fail. The New York Jets need to capitalize on this current negative atmosphere. 

Brock freaking Osweiler. No matter who you are, where you live or which team you root for, you’ll hear this negative stigma surrounding free agent NFL quarterbacks.

The disastrous 2016 season showcased by Brock freaking Osweiler has only added top of the line fuel to this mega bonfire. Whenever a free agent QB is mentioned to rake in a huge payday, fans grow nutty. 

When it comes to the narrative of the New York Jets going after Mike Glennon, not much is different. Actually, I take it back. Plenty is different. In fact, it’s much worse thanks to the fact this organization has been so many times in the past bitten in the keister at the quarterback position.

In this space of the internet, we’ll dispell every incorrect thought on Glennon and, more importantly, free agent quarterbacks as a group. Upon first glance, I’m the type who hates dishing out big-money contracts to those who don’t deserve it. In a salary cap league, wasted money cripples a personnel base.

Remember, though, NFL contracts are very different than in other leagues. Flexibility is a major and real attribute when it comes to this topic of conversation and thanks to the entire football world running scared when it comes to free agent signal-callers, Mike Maccagnan and the New York Jets can seriously capitalize on the current situation.

Here is the list dispelling every incorrect stigma placed on Mike Glennon and free agent quarterbacks in general:

Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) drops back during the first half against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Glennon Does Not Stink

There are so many in Jet-land who truly believe Mike Glennon stinks.

Why this is the case I’ll never know.

Take a look at his career NFL statistics:

 

This stat-line isn’t too shabby. In fact, it’s pretty damn good considering the circumstances.

Remember, Glennon wasn’t dealt a great hand. He was thrown right into the fire as a rookie and was forced to play with a far below average personnel grouping in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers.

As the QB, he finished a robust 4-9. At the same time, he threw 19 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He also threw for 2,608 yards while completing 59.4 percent of his passes.

If Geno Smith pulled these numbers off in any of his two years playing (no less his rookie campaign), Jets fans would be firmly in love with the West Virgina product. (This is how QB starved the fanbase is.)

Don’t toss the kid away simply because you haven’t seen him play.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) attempts to pass before being tackled by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

FA Quarterbacks Have Enjoyed Success

Not every free agent quarterback has failed. Don’t be so closed-minded as to think that’s the case.

What about Drew Brees? 

What about Kurt Warner?

What about Rich Gannon?

What about those who were traded during their youth and went on to their second team to finally latch on such as Brett Favre and Steve Young?

When it comes to free agent quarterbacks, yes, most do fail. But isn’t that the case for most quarterbacks? Most drafted quarterbacks fail. Many highly-drafted quarterbacks fail.

Why would Mitch Trubisky or Deshaun Watson find more success in the NFL than Mike Glennon?

Each QB needs to be evaluated on his own merit. Do not make that mistake of lumping them all into one category thanks in part to recent failures by others.

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) runs past Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Glennon Didn’t Lose His Job In Tampa

For the last time, we will say it.

Mike Glennon didn’t lose his job in Tampa.

When an organization drafts a QB at the No. 1 spot in the draft, that man literally becomes the organization. Once that happens, other QBs on the roster become extra guys. There’s no escaping this idea.

When the Bucs were in the fortunate position of drafting Jameis Winston No. 1 a couple of years ago, they had no choice but to draft Winston — even if they thought highly of Glennon (which they did and we know this through their ridiculous asking price for the kid via trade).

There was no open competition. There was no QB battle. Winston, and deservedly so based on talent, money and draft stature, immediately took that starting role ahead of Glennon.

Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Losing In Tampa Wasn’t Completely His Fault

Mike Glennon’s record as a starter in the National Football League isn’t anything to write home about. 5-13, is this record, to be exact.

Not good. 

His stat line of 30 TDs to just 15 INTs is good, however, so let’s not pile on the guy as a losing QB from the outset. There’s much more than meets the eye here.

These Tampa teams Glennon played with weren’t talented.

As a rookie in 2013, he was thrown into the fire on a 4-12 team. In 2014, they finished 2-14 en route to securing Winston as the top pick. During that second season, the Bucs defense finished 25th in the league in both yards allowed and points scored per contest.

When it came to rushing, the 2014 Bucs finished fourth to last with a mere 85.9 yards a game. In 2013, this rushing attack finished 22nd in the league.

The defense and the running game did Glennon no favors and he still put up a solid stat line. This is nothing to sneeze at and two areas of a football team that the QB impacts very little.

Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) drops back during the first half against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Glennon May Come At a Discounted Price

The kid stands at 6-foot-7, 225-pounds and is backed by a Super Bowl Champion in Russell Wilson, his former teammate at NC State, the same NC State who went to Glennon in favor of Wilson (who transferred to Wisconsin).

Now, thanks to general managers running scared via Brock Osweiler’s failures from a season ago, this young, prototypical QB may come at a discounted price. 

What’s not to love here?

Admittedly, north of $15 million a year may too rich for my blood. But if Glennon can be had for $14 million or less without a ton of guaranteed money attached (not backbreaking), it can be the steal of the decade.

Moreover, already employing Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty, signing Glennon would provide that immediate semi-veteran QB that can work as the third guy. Should the Jets draft a QB, how in the world could anybody feel comfortable with going into a fresh season with three green-faced youngsters?

Somebody with at least some experience is needed as that third QB and Glennon fits the bill.

This signing would also allow New York to solely focus on the non-QB spots in the draft. This would be fantastic news in terms of building the offensive line and adding assets to the defense.

Do not be that closed-minded fan. Judge each and every QB on his own merit. They all do come in different shapes, sizes and talent levels.

Not all of them are Brock Osweiler and even Osweiler might not be Osweiler. He may just surprise everybody in year two. You never know.