New York Jets: Latest Combine News and Rumors

In the first month of the New York Jets new regime, head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan have already done a fantastic job of indicating that this leadership group will be dramatically different from the last one.

Hopefully, it's for the better, and at the 2015 scouting combine, both men did a remarkable job of convincing this writer that the Jets have dramatically upgraded both spots.

There are a lot of takeaways and news stories coming out of Indianapolis with all 32 head coaches and general managers on site to watch prospects try to amaze them with displays of athleticism and feats of strength. 

Here's a look at some of the more relevant stories surrounding the Jets. 

Quarterback Is an Area of Concern

RICH SCHULTZ/Associated Press

Perhaps this slide would make a good introduction to a Hotels.com commercial, because "Thank you, Captain Obvious."

The Jets are in the market for a quarterback, and head coach Todd Bowles said "it's possible" they will acquire a veteran quarterback this offseason, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. "Possible" seems to be an understatement, though, as Cimini also reports that the Jets met with veteran Josh McCown, so they are clearly not content with staying put at the quarterback position.

Bowles also likes what he sees from Geno Smith, but says the evaluation isn't complete yet. 

The coach said, according to NewYorkJets.com:

"

Right now, just watching film, he has a good arm, he's a good athlete, and he can throw the ball and make all the throws. Without seeing the intangibles and without being able to talk to him personally, you don't know what he knows, where his strengths are. So as we go forward, when we get him in there, we get to see what he can and can't do, what he's good at, what he's not good at, and what kind of intangibles he has going forward.

"

The Jets would be foolish not to keep all their options open at quarterback, and that includes the draft, where the No. 6 selection could be high enough to grab Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. On that note, Seth Walder of the New York Daily News also reports that the Jets will meet with Mariota and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.

Antonio Cromartie Could Be Headed for the Open Market

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

It only took one year away from New York for cornerback Antonio Cromartie to return to Pro Bowl form, but now that he has, he could be hitting free agency once again in 2015.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians expects Cromartie to hit the open market this offseason.

And if that happens, it would not be a surprise in the least if Cromartie returns to the Jets. He could reunite with Jets head coach Todd Bowles, who was Cromartie's defensive coordinator in Arizona, and the Jets are in desperate need of help at cornerback. Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan addressed cornerback specifically when asked about his team's needs. 

The Jets would be foolish not to consider Cromartie a strong candidate to sign with the team in free agency. 

Mike Maccagnan Remains Non-Committal on Percy Harvin

James Kenney/Associated Press

The Jets were hoping to make their offense more explosive by adding wide receiver Percy Harvin to the group, but it seems the midseason trade only blew up in their face. Harvin is set to count for $10.5 million against the salary cap, according to Spotrac, but the Jets can save every penny of that money on the salary cap if they cut Harvin this offseason. 

That being said, the Jets don't have to make a decision on that just yet, and according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Maccagnan has not yet committed to keeping or cutting Harvin one way or the other. 

That's not all. According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, there's also a possibility that the Jets could rework Harvin's contract.

The Jets have several holes to fill on their roster, but they may be digging themselves a new hole in the coming weeks. Whether they keep Harvin in some fashion or let him walk, the Jets will probably be searching for pass-catching help during the draft.

Jets' First Priority Is the Jets, Not the Patriots

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

So this isn't exactly "news" or a "rumor" but it is important—and refreshing.

Todd Bowles didn't have the bravado of Rex Ryan at the podium on Wednesday, but he did have a level-headed vision for his team rather than a bold vision of his opponents. 

"I don't think [beating the Patriots] means anything to us right now," Bowles said, via NewYorkJets.com. "Right now, we're trying to become the New York Jets and trying to become a winning ballclub. So we're going to concentrate on us. You can't beat the Patriots in February. Just beating the Patriots isn't going to cut it if you lose to everybody else."

No "kiss the rings," no "guarantee," just a look in the mirror. That's a big change in culture for a Jets team that was spending a lot of time talking and not a lot of time winning under Ryan. 

Are we sure Bowles didn't have a hand in President Obama's first election campaign? Because thus far, he seems to be all about change that Jets fans can believe in. 

Jets 'Very Interested' in Free-Agent Running Back C.J. Spiller

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

The Jets could be staging a reunion between running back C.J. Spiller and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. According to Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday, the Jets are "very interested" in the six-year veteran and former first-round pick.  

Spiller enjoyed great success in Gailey's tenure as the head coach with the Buffalo Bills, averaging six yards per carry in 2012. He also only carried the ball 207 times that season, which led to some frustration over his limited role in the Bills offense. 

The Jets would be wise to add Spiller to their offense since they have announced they will not pick up the option for running back Chris Johnson, making him a free agent this offseason.

Unless otherwise noted, all salary cap and contract information provided by Spotrac.com.