Reports: Jets Bringing In Robert Griffin III, 4 Others For Visits
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- With talks to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick at an apparent stalemate, the Jets are working on a Plan B -- and that apparently includes former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.
The Heisman Trophy winner and 2012 Rookie of the Year is visiting the Jets on Friday, according to multiple reports.
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The Redskins released Griffin on Tuesday.
In his rookie season, Griffin completed 65.6 percent of his throws for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also rushed for 815 yards and seven scores, as he led Washington to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth.
But Griffin struggled to regain his rookie form after suffering a knee injury late in the 2012 season. He was benched by then-coach Mike Shanahan for the final three games of the 2013 season, and lost his starting job again in 2014 under new coach Jay Gruden.
Griffin did not play a snap last season.
Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan had openly expressed interest in re-signing Fitzpatrick, who led the Jets to a 10-win season and set a team record with 31 touchdown passes last year. But the Jets and the free agent quarterback are reportedly far apart in contract talks. As of Thursday, the team was reportedly discussing a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for Colin Kaepernick.
Griffin is one of several free agents the Jets are reportedly taking a look at.
Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, who has played the past four seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, plans to visit the Jets, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reported.
The Jets' interest in Beachum could suggest the team is ready to move on from tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who is set to count $14.1 million against the salary cap in 2016.
Beachum, 26, has started 39 games over the past four years. He missed 10 contests in 2015 after tearing his ACL.
According to reports, the Steelers are interested in signing Beachum to a one-year deal, and the Ravens are also interested.
The Jets are also taking a look at several defensive linemen, including end Jarvis Jenkins, La Canfora reported.
Jenkins, 27, started 15 games for the Bears last season, recording 32 tackles and four sacks. He spent the three previous seasons with the Washington Redskins.
The Jets have defensive ends Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams under contract and have placed the franchise tag on Muhammad Wilkerson. They could be looking at Jenkins to provide depth at end or might be considering moving the 300-pounder to nose tackle to help replace Damon Harrison, who signed with the Giants this week.
Wide receiver Rod Streater is visiting the Jets on Friday, ESPN reported. Streater spent the past four years with the Oakland Raiders. His best season came in 2013, when caught 60 passes for 888 yards and four touchdowns. A healthy scratch for most of 2016, Streater, 28, caught just one pass for 8 yards.
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The Jets are looking to upgrade their depth behind starting wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. They released veteran Jeremy Kerley this week.
The New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs are also reportedly interested in Streater.
On Thursday, the Jets reportedly hosted cornerback/kick returner Marcus Sherels. New York is in need of a return man after parting ways with Kerley and Antonio Cromartie. Shereles, 28, has returned three punts for touchdowns over the past four seasons.
As of Friday, the Jets are believed to be about $5.7 million under the salary cap. New York has already signed running backs Matt Forte, Bilal Powell and Khiry Robinson and tight end Zach Sudfeld.