The New York Jets have officially introduced new head coach Todd Bowles following the firing of Rex Ryan. Now the rebuilding work begins after the Jets put together another disappointing season in 2014. With Bowles now in as head coach, the focus falls on the quarterback position and the future of Geno Smith with the franchise. By all accounts, his two years as a starter has been unsuccessful. Will the Jets make it a priority to replace him?
During Bowles' introductory press conference, everyone remained coy as to what the future holds for Smith and the Jets. New general manager Mike Maccagnan and Bowles had very little to say about whether or not Smith would return as the starting quarterback, referring to him as a "great college quarterback" but not one in the NFL. The Jets brass were quick to note they did not want to get too far ahead of themselves in dictating a player's potential until they have fully evaluated everyone.
"Going forward, we're going to be a tough team, we're going to be an intelligent team. We're going to do things the right way," Bowles said, via ProFootballTalk.com.
No matter who the coaching staff is, realistically Smith will be on the roster come training camp. There is no trade for the Jets out there involving the second-year pro and they will keep him for the time being. Michael Vick will be gone in free agency, meaning Smith is staying put. New offensive coordinator Chan Gailey is also taking the coy approach when discussing Smith.
"It's probably not even fair for me to comment, because I haven't studied him," Gailey said, via NJ.com. "You can watch the last Miami game, and say, 'Wow.' And then you can watch two others and say, 'Oooh, I don't know.' I think it's unfair for me to completely comment about where I think he is and where he needs to go, without studying the film."
The Jets will add another body to their quarterback roster. The New York Post believes the team will do everything they can to move up from the No. 6 spot and grab Marcus Mariota with the top draft pick. That is easier said than done since multiple teams have that mindset. The Jets could also try and grab Jameis Winston at No. 2. NFL sources also like linking the Jets with a trade for Jay Cutler, something that might not be that difficult, but would strain their salary cap issues moving forward. Whether they directly say it or not, the Jets are ready to shift away from Smith, the question stands how they go about doing it.
