Report: Jets Show Interest In USC Quarterback Matt Barkley At NFL Combine
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Jets need a quarterback.
Will they sign one? Trade for one? Swoop one up in the upcoming NFL Draft?
It is an issue that general manager John Idzik must address, as Gang Green's quarterback play was dreadful in 2012. Mark Sanchez regressed for the second year in a row, and backup quarterback Tim Tebow will almost certainly be cut or traded before the start of next season.
Third-stringer Greg McElroy wasn't terrible when given an opportunity late in the season, but he is not expected to be the answer in East Rutherford.
Numerous reports following the end of the season indicated that the Jets would look to sign Michael Vick, but that possibility quickly fizzled when the running QB inked a one-year deal to stay in Philadelphia.
The NFL Scouting Combine ends on Tuesday, and the Jets, like every other team, have spent the last five days evaluating potential future NFL players.
Each team is given the opportunity to hold 60 player interviews, and the Jets were one of nine teams to interview former USC quarterback Matt Barkley, according to Sports Illustrated.
Barkley is expected to be selected in the first round of the draft, though the Jets likely wouldn't take him at No. 9. If he's available at No. 39, however, he could be very enticing to Idzik and the Jets' brass.
The 22-year-old hasn't thrown at the combine because he is currently recovering from a shoulder injury. How that will effect his draft stock -- if it does at all -- remains to be seen.
"There have been great USC quarterbacks (who have done) some things in the NFL," Barkley recently told reporters. "I know my case, my situation and my story is different than all those other guys. I don't think you can put everyone in the same mold. I know what I'm capable of, and I wouldn't be so quick to put a mold around me."
The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder completed 63.6 percent of his passes for the Trojans in 2012. He threw 36 touchdowns to 15 interceptions and amassed 3,273 passing yards.
What do you think, Jets fans? Should Gang Green go after yet another USC quarterback? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
