While the New York Jets explore potential bridges to a new contract with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, they'll be exploring a bridge to a different quarterback.
Penn State's Christian Hackenberg will make a pre-draft visit to the Jets on Thursday, according to NFL Media's Kimberly Jones.
If negotiations with Fitzgerald aren't successful, the club's other options include fourth-year veteran Geno Smith and second-year backup Bryce Petty. Considered a developmental prospect, Hackenberg wouldn't figure to be a short-term answer for the Jets. Penn State coach James Franklin said as much, noting that it will be important for his former quarterback to be drafted into the right situation and, ideally, afforded the chance to learn behind a veteran.
Hackenberg struggled, albeit under heavy pass-rush pressure, over his last two years as a starter for the Nittany Lions and scouts have concerns about both his accuracy and footwork. He looked sharp at the PSU pro day workout, however.
The Jetsalso have scheduled Cal QB Jared Goff and Memphis QB Paxton Lynch for pre-draft visits. The club has the No. 20 overall pick of the first round. The Jets' second-day picks are at Nos. 51 and 83 overall.
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