Robert Griffin III visits overnight with Jets, sources say

With Ryan Fitzpatrick still playing hard to get, the Jets have decided to court another quarterback: Robert Griffin III.

Multiple sources told Newsday that the Jets hosted the former Redskins quarterback on a visit Friday that included dinner and an overnight stay.

The Jets’ top priority remains re-signing Fitzpatrick, who had a career resurgence while throwing to Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker last season. But with the sides still unable to agree on a multiyear deal, the Jets are taking their time and exploring other options.

Will they like what they see in Griffin? Once a bright star in Washington, he flamed out in recent years as questions about his leadership and mental toughness surfaced. The second overall pick in 2012, Griffin was the Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler before a knee injury and team discord derailed his promising career. He was released March 7.

It is telling that the Jets would entertain Griffin despite their desire to reunite with Fitzpatrick. It also speaks volumes that Griffin’s trip to Florham Park wasn’t just an in-and-out meeting. The longer he spends in New Jersey, the less leverage Fitzpatrick may have.

Fitzpatrick, 33, is coming off the best season of his 11-year career, throwing a franchise- record 31 touchdown passes and leading the Jets to a 10-6 record, their first winning season since 2010. Not surprisingly, he wants to be compensated like other starting quarterbacks (such as Brock Osweiler) who recently have signed deals, most in the range of $15 million to $18 million a year.

The Jets’ offer to Fitzpatrick reportedly was similar to the deal the Eagles gave to backup Chase Daniel — three years, $21 million, with $10 million guaranteed. But after days of trying to negotiate, the Jets don’t appear willing to cave in to Fitzpatrick’s agent, Jimmy Sexton. Instead, they’re doing their due diligence with other quarterbacks.

On Thursday, reports surfaced that the Jets, Browns and Broncos had discussed trades for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. At the time, all three were desperate for quarterback help, but the Jets reportedly were the least aggressive. By Friday, Kaepernick reportedly had expressed a strong desire to play for Browns coach Hue Jackson and Broncos general manager John Elway announced that he had sent a 2017 conditional pick to Philadelphia for former Jet Mark Sanchez.

Getting Fitzpatrick back in the fold — at a more team-friendly price — remains the Jets’ objective, but for now, they’ve turned their attention to Griffin, who could be an intriguing fit in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s spread system.

Gailey, who became the Jets’ offensive coordinator last year, has a long history of adapting when it comes to his quarterbacks. Fitzpatrick experienced success playing in Buffalo from 2009-12, when Gailey was the Bills’ head coach, and was able to revive his career in Gailey’s quarterback-friendly system.

Throughout his coaching career, Gailey has had success working with more athletic quarterbacks such as Kordell Stewart and Tyler Thigpen. Griffin brings arm strength and a level of quickness that the Jets wouldn’t have with Fitzpatrick behind center. But it remains to be seen if Griffin is mature enough to be a locker room leader again and if he can improve his pocket poise.

The 26-year-old was benched twice by the Redskins in favor of Kirk Cousins, but he has an undeniable skill set that the Jets might find difficult to ignore.

Along with Griffin, the Jets hosted several free agents Friday, according to various sources: offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, defensive end Jarvis Jenkins, linebacker Shea McClellin, tight end Jermaine Gresham and wide receiver Rod Streater. The Jets are trying to work out a deal with Jenkins, but it is not done, a source said.