Sideline Scouting

The Jets went from one quarterback question to another, from whether Brett Favre would return to now who will succeed him.

Logical successors come from within. Kellen Clemens is a former second-round draft choice who has some support within the organization. Clemens was, at one time, good enough to beat out Chad Pennington, so there is some ability there.

Also, some within the organization believe undrafted free-agent quarterback Brett Ratliff has a bigger upside than Clemens and is good enough to wind up starting. Ratliff must be monitored, if for no other reason than enough people within the Jets’ organization believe in him.

If the Jets decide to go the free-agent route, former Giant Kerry Collins is a quarterback who knows how to deal with New York’s media — and winds.

If the Jets decide to trade for a quarterback, the most logical one is Cleveland’s Derek Anderson. For starters, Anderson has the most attractive contractual situation of any veteran quarterback. He is due a $5 million roster bonus on the 15th day of the league year, which is about a month from now. He signed a three-year, $24.5 million deal last year and still has two seasons remaining on it.

Beyond the contract are the relationships. Browns coach Eric Mangini and Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum have enough of a relationship that the two men could work out a deal. Also, Jets coach Rex Ryan worked with Anderson in Baltimore before the Ravens released the QB.

If the Jets were to trade for a quarterback, the most logical candidate is Anderson. But Clemens and Ratliff cannot be dismissed from the competition, either.

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