Unless the New York Jets make another move, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith will be the quarterback rotation for 2015. Instead of trying to acquire players like Nick Foles or even Brian Hoyer who had mild success last year, the team went with Fitzpatrick who was benched and Smith who returns after two years with the team. If Marcus Mariota is not drafted at No. 6, who starts between the two quarterbacks?
The Jets announced they traded for Fitzpatrick from the Houston Texans for essentially just a conditional draft pick. The 32-year-old veteran has bounced around from team to team over the past few years, but his familiarity with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey is what makes New York a good fit this time around. He is a career-best 63.1 percent passer while getting 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Texans in 2014. Inconsistencies led him to be benched in favor of Ryan Mallett.
The trade for Fitzpatrick does not mean the Jets are out of the Mariota race. According to the New York Daily News, the Jets are still very much interested in a deal for the Oregon star, but will not overspend to get him. Drafting at No. 6, most NFL mock drafts believe the Jets make a run at the Heisman winner. However, ESPN is reporting the Washington Redskins want Mariota and they draft a spot ahead of the Jets. The Chicago Bears could also be an option as they draft one below the Jets.
The Jets likely traded for Fitzpatrick believing he can be an upgrade in the passing game over Smith. The Jets traded for Brandon Marshall to pair him next to Eric Decker in hopes of forming a solid one-two punch and they need a quarterback that can take advantage of it. Over the past two years that player has not been Smith. The former second-round pick has stressed he intends to work very hard in the offseason understanding this upcoming year is crucial for him. If Smith can show improvement, he has a shot at starting again.
The Jets could also look to Brett Hundley, Garrett Grayson or Bryce Petty as options in the draft. They need a long-term option if both Smith and Fitzpatrick fail.