The New York Jets are on the hunt for a new general manager, and one Hall-of-Fame quarterback is rumored to be atop their list.
The New York Jets have done the impossible. They’ve officially taken the title of the most dysfunctional football team in the Big Apple, giving Giants GM Dave Gettleman a reprieve from the punishment he’s endured since the fateful day he traded Odell Beckham, Jr. to the Cleveland Browns.
But there’s a chance the Jets can redeem themselves with the right hire at general manager, and the name being floated as their primary target would serve as more than just redemption. It would be one of the most exciting hires in recent NFL history.
According to Pro Football Talk, New York is zeroing in on former Colts and Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning.
“Rumors are flying within league circles that the Jets may make a run at the future Hall of Fame quarterback who has periodically been linked to NFL management possibilities,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote. “And Gase, who worked with Manning in Denver, possibly would be one of the few guys who could draw Manning back into football.”
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Manning retired from the NFL following the 2015 season after a prolific Hall-of-Fame career that included two Super Bowl championships.
If the Jets are, in fact, able to wrangle Manning into their front office, he’d be following in the footsteps of another Hall-of-Fame and Super Bowl-winning quarterback who’s had some success in personnel, John Elway. And it was Elway who ultimately lured Manning to Denver, where he was able to secure his second Lombardi Trophy.
There’s no doubt Manning has the kind of work ethic and all-around mastery of the sport to succeed if he decides to move into a front-office gig. And the Jets certainly feel like a logical match. Head coach Adam Gase was his offensive coordinator in Denver and, by all accounts, they had a great working relationship during that time. It’s safe to assume they’d work well together in this capacity, too.
All that said, Manning is living his best life right now and he seems to be enjoying every second of it. The Jets would be the highest of high-profile jobs and whether that’s the kind of situation he wants to jump into is up for debate.
It sure would be a lot of fun, though.