As we suspected, the New York Jets' "very exploratory, informal discussions" regarding former Oakland Raiders draft bust JaMarcus Russell were severely overblown.
A source with knowledge of the Jets' plans told Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger, which had the original report, that the team isn't interested in Russell after all. As a matter of common practice, the personnel department of an NFL team performs due diligence on all available free agents. The Jets' interest never advanced beyond that level, according to the report.
It's only natural that a team without a long-term solution at quarterback would at least discuss the feasibility of signing the No. 1 pick from the 2007 draft, once thought to possess all of the physical traits of an elite passer. But why would any team take Russell seriously as a viable comeback project if he can't even bother to drop his weight below 300 pounds?
Russell's arm talent never was in doubt. It always was his commitment level, accountability and maturity that held him back.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
