Jets Reportedly Interested in Free Agent QB JaMarcus Russell

The New York Jets are reportedly looking at former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, according to Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger.

The Jets currently have three quarterbacks on the roster—starter Mark Sanchez, the polarizing Tim Tebow and 2011 seventh-round draft pick Greg McElroy. According to ESPN New York, per Orr, the Jets spent "a significant amount of time" scouting North Carolina State quarterback Mike Glennon at the Senior Bowl this year.

Russell, of course, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft. The 27-year-old lasted three seasons in the NFL before being released by the Raiders in May 2010, and he hasn't been heard from since. He tried out for the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins in November 2010, but questions about his work ethic and his weight have hurt his chances of returning to the league.

But it's frankly not a surprise that the dysfunctional franchise that is the New York Jets would entertain bringing back Russell when no one else will lay a finger on him. For one, the Jets traded for Tebow last offseason, which has turned out to be a disaster complete with its fair share of distractions. Two, the fact that the Jets have Tebow as a backup may even make Russell look enticing to them.

As Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com deadpanned on Monday:


The Jets are coming off of a 6-10 campaign after going 8-8 in 2011. They haven't made the playoffs since making it to the AFC Championship Game during the 2010 season, and Rex Ryan's decision to stay loyal to Sanchez has been questioned by more than a few people.

The Jets need all the help that they can get at this point, so it's only natural that they would begin scanning the horizon for any glimpse of potential.

But Russell hasn't flashed anything resembling potential since being drafted in 2007, and it's unlikely that the Jets will magically catch lightning in a bottle pursuing one of the biggest busts in NFL history.

Oh Please let not even go there with Russell.

Just hearing this now on the Wheelhouse. I can't even believe that the new GM, woud even think of a Stupid move like this. If this happens Jets are the Same Old Jets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I can remember went the Jets bought back Richard Todd. PLEASE don't do this

Free Agent Start March 12th Can't Wait!

Here a few players that are free agent that I would like to see Jets try to signs. T Ryan Clady Denver. S, Jarius Byrd Bills. WR, Dwayne Bowe KC, CB, Aqib Talib Pats, S, Ed Reed Ravens, WR, Greg Jennings Packers, RB, Reggie Bush Dolphins, and QB, Alex Smith.

Have a new list of F/A that the Jets may be looking to get. RT, Andre Smith TE, Delanie Walker, WR, Dwayne Bowe, LB, Philip Wheeler, and RB, Reggie Bush if they lose Greene. Bush a 3rd down back would be used in the wildcat with Tebow. OH NO.

Left out S, Jarius Byrd.