The New York Jets just love to keep it interesting. The team just cannot decide on their quarterback future and continue to make moves complicating the situation. Geno Smith started every game last season. After Mark Sanchez was released, he looked like a safe bet to start every game in 2014. However, the signing of Michael Vick tossed that plan aside, once again bringing a quarterback competition to the Jets. Now, the team is looking at late-round draft prospects, creating more bad headlines than good.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter is reporting the Jets are taking a close look at former Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas and could also see Derek Carr and Connor Shaw before the draft arrives in May. All three quarterbacks are considered middle-to-late-round options while Carr is the more in-demand option. The issue is really why the Jets are looking at quarterbacks in the first place.
Smith was drafted in the second round last year and while he certainly suffered his share of rookie struggles, he could be the future face of the franchise. Vick signed an still has plenty left in the tank to be a starting option next year should Smith not look ready to place. Adding Thomas or another quarterback in the mix only complicates things. Vick will not be around too much longer. His contract indicates that if he does not win the starting job this year, he will be backup and then let go sooner rather than later. Is another prospect like Thomas an option in the future? If anything, all three quarterbacks can sit and develop for a few seasons and the Jets can simply use them as a trade piece. New York will keep it interesting.
So, while the Jets continue to bring in prospects for the future and backup plans, Smith continues to tell the media that he is the leader of the Jets offense and has no plans for that to change. Running back Chris Johnson told media that he was informed the role of starting quarterback had not been filled yet, news to Smith.
"[It's] my belief in myself, knowing I'm going to take every action possible to get better and come into the season a better player," Smith said, via ESPN.com. "It's going to come down to production on the field. I just believe that, with the experience I've gained, and with the direction we were heading in as an offense and where I see myself as a second-year player ... I just feel I'm more than capable of being a starter."
Vick did not sign on to be a backup. He will give Smith a run for his money. Expect any rookie brought on to have the same attitude.
