Happy 4th July Weekend!
Edition #1204: Does Andy Dalton make sense for the Jets and will he shake loose?
Good morning 🍺
This is just a quick email today to wish everyone stateside a very Happy 4th July! Hopefully full of BBQ’s, beer and baseball and a little World Cup action too.
Just don’t do a Jason Pierre-Paul and light a firework in your hand blowing off a portion of your index finger! Fireworks are fun, but they’re dangerous too!
I’m really counting down the days until training camp hits (25 days until the veterans report, 22 days until the rookies arrive). This part of the off-season, this little part right here is called boredom.
But for me this all works out nicely. The World Cup will finish on the 19th July (my wedding anniversary so lots of presented will be needed if England make it, as there’s no way I’m missing that), and then we can pick up steam heading into the 2026 season.
One issue that remains outstanding is the Jets backup QB position.
Andy Dalton continues to be linked with a move and that was fuelled this week by a piece by Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks who stated “Even though there is a QB competition at backup QB I could see Andy Dalton landing on the practice squad. More likely to be cut and put on the PS than McKee or Payton”
In a piece earlier this week Jets reporter Zack Rosenblatt named dropped Dalton as a potential fit for the Jets:
“Andy Dalton (Eagles): The Eagles have Tanner McKee, rookie Cole Payton and Dalton all in the quarterback room behind Jalen Hurts. It’s possible Philadelphia intends to keep all four, but of the group, Dalton would feel like the most gettable as a 38-year-old — and his ties to Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich don’t hurt.”
The Jets had a very public flirtation with Russell Wilson before he decided to take the easy money in TV. So I think we can presume that they are looking for a veteran with plenty of experience. Andy Dalton ticks a lot of boxes.
Been in the league since 2011, started 169 games and is a 3x Pro Bowler.
According to Spotrac his cap hit for 2026 is just $1.5M
He has history with Frank Reich from their time in Carolina, in fact Dalton was signed the same year Reich became coach so you can presume he had a big hand in that.
Although he’s no longer a starter, he’s played in 10 games over the last two years throwing 10 TDs to 7 INTS and completing over 60% of his passes. He’s no longer what he was, but he can still run a capable offense.
By all accounts he’s a good guy to have in the building, a good charachter, good leader, good teacher.
I’m not against the Jets throwing a 6th rounder at the Eagles to ensure they get Dalton. I think he’s the kind of QB that would be handy to have around someone like Cade Klubnik, and if Geno’s legal issues linger he is more than capable of starting a few games out of the gate to allow the young QBs to settle into the routine of an NFL season.
The other names that are mentioned like Cooper Rush, Spencer Rattler, Josh Dobbs, Brett Rypien just don’t excite me. I would still like to see the Jets at least explore the option of Will Levis, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen.
Anyway. A very happy 4th of July weekend to everyone!
Andy is definitely a good guy, and he still has an arm...
When I first became aware of David’s writings and then the Jets Way, two things struck me.
One, David is an excellent writer who really knows the Jets.
Two, David is British and what the hell does an Englishman really know about American football, especially the Jets.
Surprisingly a lot.
While one should never assume, we have learned there are three loves in David’s life,
1. His family as they should be first.
2. Probably soccer especially his beloved Canaries, then
3. J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets
Unfortunately, American perceptions of the English basically are that they are prim and proper, sort of sticks in the mud, very serious, not prone to joking.
In the beginning, David would sometimes answer a comment in a very professional way, intelligently and seriously.
Over the course of time, he started to answer more comments.
His coming out party was when the Jets were obliterated on Monday night, September 9th, 2024, 32-19 San Francisco with a healthy Rodgers quarterbacking.
Because it was a Monday night game, add in the time difference between the U.S. and England, Tuesday mornings Jet way was very brief.
Jet fans reactions to this loss happening with a healthy Rodgers were off the charts.
On Wednesday, David commented 14 times to fan’s depressing comments , he became the Brigade’s refuge.
That is when, the Jets Way became different, special.
Contributors and David alike started to talk about personal things, families, vacations who we are, are pasts, especially our Jet experience pasts.
While at times there might be some disagreement on certain thoughts, they now had become respectful discourse.
Through it all, David has maintained his serious professional stance.
I think we American contributors have finally broken David seriousness.
With help from the World Cup, David has made some comments that are not prim and proper but definitely more American than British. He has definitely shown his sense of humor.
Example
Ron Alexander: I tried watching the England / Paraguayan game because David’s such a fan ( and there was no Met game on at that time😂) and the only action until very late was the penalty kick😴 The pink uniform worn by the English goalie was a bit much for an old timer like me.
David: Haha what game were you watching Ron? England played Croatia, won 4-2, the pace of the game was fantastic and the keeper was wearing Orange. Did you tune into Ghana vs Panama by mistake? lol
It appears we have gotten to you David, lol.
You cannot be any more American jokester than your comment after England’s come from behind win on Wednesday.
David: I've asked to not be assigned the England v Mexico game on Sunday night because having a heart attack and working is not ideal 😂 Just glad to have got through
David, welcome, you are now one of us.
Here is the bad news. England in Mexico Sunday, 8 pm, game over 10:30? With shootout 11. Unfortunately that is in the middle of the night in England.
No screaming or remote throwing, you cannot wake up your lovely wife and children.
One last thought on the red card penalty used on the American player Wednesday night.
How the hell could this Brazilian referee be working a World Cup game after being dragged into a Brazilian court over previous red card/ gambling/ fixing game allegations.
I don’t know who is more corrupt, FIFA or the International Olympic Committee.
Lastly, David, any truth to the rumor that you will be doing the color commentary for tomorrow’s Nathan’s Coney Island 4th of July hot dog eating contest for DAZN.
How many “ Bangers” could you knock down
Happy 4th to everyone,