The New York Jets must add a quarterback to their roster. In fact they likely need two quarterbacks on their roster as it appears Geno Smith is less and less favored as the future of the franchise. When the Jets held a press conference to introduce all of the coaching and front office changes, not one person would endorse Smith's future in New York. As many mock drafts believe Marcus Mariota is the favorite in New York, is the team eyeing veteran quarterbacks as well?
With Todd Bowles in as head coach and Chan Gailey taking over as offensive coordinator, there is no one left in Smith's corner when it comes to him starting at quarterback. The second-year pro has stated that he intends to put in a lot of work this offseason and fully intends to return as the team's starting quarterback, but it does not appear anyone else has that plan. Smith will not get released or traded simply because there is no market for him, but the Jets have a lot of options of who they can add in his place.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, the Jets are eyeing a veteran quarterback to be a short-term option for the team. Cimini writes that players like Ryan Fitzpatrick could be favored due to his familiarity of Gailey's system from when they played in Buffalo together. Fitzpatrick would only be an option if the Houston Texans released him from his contract as the Jets would not make a trade for him.
Brian Hoyer is reportedly also a favorite if he opts to not return to Cleveland. The veteran quarterback would be a solid choice for the Jets no matter who they have behind him. However, Hoyer will not want to be in a quarterback competition with Smith. He did that once with Johnny Manziel. New York would have to guarantee him the starting job if they want to bring him on board.
The veteran quarterback option could happen whether or not the Jets get Mariota. According to ESPN's Todd McShay, the Jets will draft a quarterback and he believes Mariota could land right in their lap. Jameis Winston would be the other first-round option. However, there are several teams drafting before the Jets that need a quarterback as well which could hurt their chances.