The Jets on Saturday announced they traded up from the sixth pick to the third pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, in a deal with the Colts.

This leaves no doubt that the Jets are going after an elite quarterback. The Browns at No. 1 and Giants at No. 2 could draft a quarterback, too.

But now, the Jets are in better position, because the Broncos at No. 5 are a quarterback-needy team. And if the Browns didn't take a quarterback at No. 1, they could have done it at No. 4.

The move up cost the Jets three second-round picks -- 37th and 49th overall this year (both of the Jets' Round 2 selections) and their second-round selection in 2019.

The Jets had an extra second-round pick this year because of the Sheldon Richardson/Jermaine Kearse trade they pulled off with Seattle before last season.

The best quarterbacks in this draft are regarded (in some order) as USC's Sam Darnold, UCLA's Josh Rosen, Wyoming's Josh Allen, and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield. Now, the Jets know that at least two of them will be available at No. 3.

The Jets this offseason have already signed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and re-signed last year's starter, Josh McCown. But at this point, neither looks like a long-term answer for the Jets, certainly not McCown, who turns 39 in July.

It seemed likely all along that the Jets would draft a quarterback high this year. But just how high remained unclear. Would they stay at No. 6 or move up?

Now, we have an answer, as general manager Mike Maccagnan makes a bold move and preemptive strike against any other team that might be looking to acquire that third overall pick from the Colts.

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.