It is right to question the future of Geno Smith as Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to win games for the New York Jets. While Fitzpatrick is certainly not the long-term option for the Jets, many wonder if Smith really is. While the quarterback is healthy after the training camp broken jaw, he remains on the sidelines while the veteran stacks up the wins. Could a mid-season trade of Smith be in the future?
Smith will not play this season unless Fitzpatrick begins to meltdown. Head coach Todd Bowles has stressed he will stay with the hot hand and that is the veteran and not Smith. So what about a trade? Of course this could be an option with injuries stacking up in the league, but according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, fans should not count on Smith heading anywhere anytime soon.
According to Cimini, while teams might call about a trade of Smith, the Jets will likely hold on to the quarterback. There is not a big enough market right now for the Jets to try and shop Smith themselves. Sure Brandon Weeden is struggling to fill in for Tony Romo, The San Francisco 49ers are not happy with Colin Kaepernick. However, that is not a big enough reason to trade for Smith who has not exactly looked impressive as a starter.
Cimini also believes that even if a deal were to be offered, the Jets would not pull the trigger on the move. Right now, the team is competing for the playoffs at 3-1. Outside of Fitzpatrick they have rookie Bryce Petty who is not ready to take the field. Earlier in the offseason, Bowles told the media that Petty was a project quarterback and needed time to develop. That likely means he is not ready to intrust the Jets to Petty should Fitzpatrick get injured. The Jets need Smith even if it to just sit on the sidelines.
The offseason is a different story for Smith. It is clear Bowles is comfortable without him. In 2016, Petty might look like a better option, or the Jets could move in on someone else. The option to re-sign Fitzpatrick is there. The idea that Smith is the starter in 2016 seems unlikely at this point which is where the trade talk will begin again.
Fitzpatrick knows he is one bad start away from getting replaced. The quarterback will have a healthy offense coming out of the bye week as Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Eric Decker are expected to be fine while Devin Smith is ready for more responsibility. However, one bad loss and the discussion around Smith will heat up.