Jets had ‘very exploratory’ talks about JaMarcus Russell, report says

JaMarcus Russell wants to return to the NFL. The New York Jets want a quarterback to challenge starter Mark Sanchez.

You know where this is going, right?

According to NewJersey.com, members of the Jets organization recently had “some very exploratory, informal discussions” about Russell.

For those Jets fans out there trembling in fear right now, let’s take a closer look at this situation.

Though the modifier “very” before “exploratory” and the plural form of “discussion” might lead us to believe the team was at least somewhat serious about a player known as one of the biggest busts in NFL history, the word “informal” ought to set your minds at ease a bit.

You should also know that the article mentions an ESPN New York report that the Jets “spent a significant amount of time” with North Carolina State quarterback Mike Glennon at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. And they scouted other young QBs before the firing of former general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

In other words, Russell isn’t the only option they’re exploring.

Plus, this may not be the same Russell who was drafted No. 1 overall by the Raiders only to be released three years later after going 7-18 as a starter and not seeming to care at all about it. The current Russell reportedly is working hard to shed the label as an NFL bust after three seasons away from the league.

Size and natural ability were never an issue with Russell. So if he really is taking it seriously this time, maybe a team might want to consider taking a chance on him.

And apparently that’s just what the Jets were doing.

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