Christian Hackenberg visits the Patriots. Should the Jets be concerned?

If you were to tell me a few years ago that in 2018 Christian Hackenberg would be a free agent visiting a team for a third string quarterback spot, I would have 100% agreed.  It was widely agreed upon that Hackenberg was a huge reach when the New York Jets took him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Hackenberg never got a chance to start for the Jets, never finishing a season higher than third string quarterback.  It was a quarterback carousel during his two seasons with the Jets, rotating between Bryce Petty and Josh McCown.  Despite much fanfare early in his career to at least be given a look, Hackenberg finished his Jet career without a snap.  Actions speak louder than words, and it speaks volumes that the kid never got a shot, considering the poor quality of quarterback play for the Jets over the years.

The Jets finally got rid of Hackenberg, at the beginning of this offseason, for a 7th round pick from Oakland.  The Raiders were trying to make a project out of Hackenberg, but they already had three quarterbacks on the roster and due to CBA limitations had to release him.

Hackenberg did what most disgruntled former Jets do;  He took his talents up to New England.  According to multiple sources, Hackenberg visited New England on Thursday to explore the option of a backup role (obviously).  It may have less to do with the actual opportunity and more to do with getting back at the Jets.

Should the Jets be worried Hackenberg will sign with the Patriots and reveal some secrets?

Absolutely not.

First of all, if Hackenberg can’t learn the offense well enough to earn a single snap then it doesn’t matter what he thinks he knows.  Secondly and more importantly, this is a tactic that the Patirots have used for years.  They take disgruntled former Jets for the mere purpose of toying with them.  They’re the Patriots and they troll teams that they beat up on.  Tom Brady doesn’t need any trade secrets from Christian Hackenberg.  It’s a nice thought though.