Jets GM Maccagnan Says He Inquired About Trading Up To Top Spot In Draft
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said Friday that he inquired about trading up into the top slot in next week's draft.
Speaking at his pre-draft news conference, Maccagnan did not say which player he was eyeing, but the revelation was an indication the team may have been trying to pursue a franchise quarterback. North Dakota State's Carson Wentz and California's Jared Goff are the top two rated QBs in this year's draft. The Jets recently had Goff in for a workout.
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The Los Angeles Rams last week acquired the top slot from the Tennessee Titans.
"The short answer is we inquired," Maccagnan said.
The general manager, however, said he is still trying to re-sign QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, despite that the Jets had free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer in for a visit this week.
"Our focus has always been Ryan," Maccagnan said. "We like Ryan, and that's (the contract) we're trying to facilitate."
Maccagnan did add that the team likes Hoyer as a prospect.
The Jets and Fitzpatrick reportedly remain millions of dollars per season apart in contract talks. One obstacle has been that New York has just $3.9 million available under the salary cap.
The Jets have explored alternatives in the event that Fitzpatrick does sign elsewhere, including having Hoyer and Robert Griffin III in for visits and reportedly discussing a trade with the 49ers for Colin Kaepernick. Griffin signed with Cleveland, and the Kaepernick trade talks appear to be dead.
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After leaving the Jets' complex Thursday, Hoyer headed to the Denver Broncos for a visit.
In addition to Goff, New York also brought Memphis' Paxton Lynch in for a visit.
