I don't get the sense that the Jets will be overly aggressive in an attempt to trade up to the draft's first (Titans) or second (Browns) spot to select a quarterback.
Yes, they've contacted the Titans, a source confirmed to SNY. However, the way those discussions were described to me were as "preliminary" and "checking in" -- essentially, Mougey was doing his homework.
That could change if the Jets fall in love with a prospect in the coming weeks and months. But, personally, I'm not sure that it happens for two reasons: The cost and the Jets' other holes.
The Athletic detailed the last two trades that were made to move up in a similar fashion. The Panthers traded DJ Moore, the No. 9 pick and a second-round selection, then a 2024 first-rounder and 2025 second-rounder, to go up. In 2016, the Rams traded the No. 15 pick and second- and third-round selections the first year, then first- and third-rounders the next.
If you're hellbent in your conviction that Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward is a no-doubt, can't-miss franchise quarterback: You do that deal and don't look back. It just really doesn't seem like either of these guys are the level of prospect that you go up for.
SNY touched base with scouts, executives, agents and coaches about Sanders and Ward. Not one had Sanders above Ward, but many also had concerns with the Miami passer. They were fine with Ward going No. 1 if you believe in him and take him organically. Mortgaging the future was a completely difference scenario.
The Jets are far more likely to dabble in the second-tier-veteran-quarterback market, sources who met with the team in Indianapolis told SNY. They came away from those meetings believing that the Jets' plan is to pair Tyrod Taylor with another veteran and then draft someone on Day 2 (or trade up late in the first round to have the fifth-year option). Marcus Mariota, Justin Fields and Carson Wentz are three names to keep an eye on, per sources.
The caveat here is if something funky happens on draft night. While a trade up to the first two selections is too pricey, a trade up two spots is a far different story. If a quarterback the Jets like slips, then Mougey could absolutely go up a pick or two to get him.