The New York Jets may be on the verge on landing a pair of Philadelphia Eagles.
The team will host free-agent quarterback Michael on Friday, according to multiple reports, and NFL.com reported Thursday they have inquired about a potential trade for wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
#Jets host Michael Vick Friday & worth noting they are among teams who have inquired about DeSean Jackson via trade. Vick & DeSean are close
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2014
Vick has long been connected to the Jets, who are trying to sign a veteran backup that can also push second-year player Geno Smith for the starting job and possibly step in if he struggles during the season. New York will be Vick’s first official visit of free agency, and numerous indications are that he is the team’s top choice at quarterback.
Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was Vick’s offensive coordinator in 2010, when he enjoyed a career-best campaign. Vick, 34, could serve as a mentor to Smith and help him better learn Mornhinweg’s offense, though there’s a chance Vick could also beat Smith out in a training camp competition as well.
The Jets also remain on the hunt for a wide receiver, despite signing the top free agent available, Eric Decker, earlier in the month. The Eagles have not been officially shopping Jackson, but earlier in the weeks reports surfaced the team was “listening to offers” for him.
The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers were the first two teams mentioned as potential landing spots for Jackson, who according to reports earlier this winter, is not considered “a good fit” within the Eagles’ locker room atmosphere. Jackson made mention he would like a new deal despite three years remaining on his current one.
The Jets are projected to draft USC wide receiver Marqise Lee with the No. 18 overall pick, according to the XN Sports NFL Mock Draft 1.0, but Jackson could satisfy the team’s need for playmakers.
Jackson is owed $10.5 million this coming season and $9.75 million in both 2015 and 2016. New York has over $29.1 million in cap space available, and more likely coming once the team parts ways with Mark Sanchez.
