The New York Jets are trying to secure some quarterback consistency in 2016 by re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick. Both the quarterback and head coach Todd Bowles have stated that Fitzpatrick is the favored option for next year and they intend on keeping him on the pay roll. However, even with Fitzpatrick coming back, the Jets still have questions at the quarterback position as he is clearly not the long-term option.
Fitzpatrick might be the 2016 option, but he is not the 2018 option. He is not the future of the franchise as the Jets begin to question if they have that player already on the roster or not. Right now playing behind Fitzpatrick is Geno Smith and Bryce Petty. Smith as the biggest question mark above his head.
Smith told the New York Post that he intends on fighting for a starting spot at the quarterback position, but will it be with the Jets? According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, a decision on Smith will not be rushed. The quarterback is under contract for next season so there are limited options for the team. Cimini reports that Smith cannot demand a trade considering his value is low which means he will remain the backup considering he is just a $1.6 million hit to the salary cap. Smith is a viable backup for the team which is what is the concern for the short-term. He might not be the long-term option either, but the Jets do not appear rushed to make that move with Fitzpatrick playing well.
According to Cimini, Smith is not the favored franchise option for the future, but he is farther along then Petty. Bowles would ideally like to re-sign Fitzpatrick and have him be a mentor to Petty who could turn out to be the future of the Jets. The Jets could very easily enter next season with the same quarterback trio in place with the hope that either Smith or Petty take a next step behind Fitzpatrick and turn out to be a solid long-term option.
The Jets have key contract decisions to make. Both Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell have expiring contracts. Ivory struggled at the end of the season while being benched in the final game. Powell was an unsung hero for the year. The same can be said for Leonard Williams who could be the replacement for Muhammad Wilkerson after the veteran broke his leg while preparing to enter free agency. The Jets have to decide who can be a target for the future of the franchise as Bowles builds something positive.