"The Jets have made a cursory phone call about former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, ESPN.com reports.

The former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft was released by Oakland in May, and the Jets seemingly have a need for a backup quarterback, with Kellen Clemens and Erik Ainge behind Mark Sanchez.

The report says the call is part of GM Mike Tannenbaum's strategy to investigate every available player. It lists the Cardinals and Vikings as Russell's most likely destinations.

Russell is considered one of the all-time draft busts after being selected out of LSU in 2007, getting $39 million for seven wins in 25 starts, according to ESPN.

Rex Ryan's twin brother Rob was defensive coordinator for the Raiders in Russell's first two seasons, and the Ryans have discussed players in the past."