Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: 5 teams with the biggest quarterback needs

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants puts on his helmet during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants puts on his helmet during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Christian Hackenberg #5, Josh McCown #15, and Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets walk onto the field before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Christian Hackenberg #5, Josh McCown #15, and Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets walk onto the field before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

No. 4: New York Jets

First NFL Draft Pick — Third (via Colts)

The New York Jets’ trade with the Indianapolis Colts, moving from No. 6 up to No. 3 in the draft, is a clear indication general manager Mike Maccagnan plans on taking a quarterback with his team’s first pick.

New York re-signed veteran quarterback Josh McCown to a one-year deal, while also taking a free-agent flier on former Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgwater — also a one-year deal. But McCown will turn 39 years old before the season starts. And, despite a solid 2017 campaign, he’s little more than a quality backup. Perhaps not even that at this stage of his career.

Meanwhile, Bridgewater’s horrendous and career-crippling knee injury back in 2016 spilled into last year, where he only saw a meaningless two snaps in relief of then-Vikings starter, Case Keenum.

Speaking of those teams having never found a true franchise quarterback, the Jets haven’t enjoyed long-term continuity at the position for a long, long time. The last Jets QB, who was a mainstay starter for five consecutive seasons or more, was former New York signal-caller Ken O’Brien from 1984 through 1992.