The New York Jets have named Geno Smith the team's starter by default. Head coach Todd Bowles told the media during the NFL Annual Meeting that with Ryan Fitzpatrick's injury, Smith will go into practices as the starter until something warrants a change in the depth chart. Could another quarterback added to the rotation unseat Smith from the top spot? With the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft, the Jets are making it clear a quarterback is an option.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Jets are bringing in Marcus Mariota for a private workout heading in to the NFL Draft. Rapoport writes that general manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Bowles will be in attendance to see the former Oregon Ducks quarterback go through a workout. With the No. 6 pick, a number of mock drafts have pegged the Jets as the Heisman winner's landing spot, but with so many other teams interested it remains to be seen if the Jets can win that battle.
Any team looking to draft Mariota is looking to draft someone who can start Week 1. A trade up for the quarterback would be a waste if New York did not intend to play him immediately. Smith and Fitzpatrick complicate that effort. Mariota getting pushed down to third string seems unlikely, but will the Jets be willing to start the rookie over Smith who is back for his third year or Fitzpatrick who was traded to the team for a draft pick? At this point any team eyeing Mariota will have to trade up to get him. If the Jets do that they intend to play the quarterback immediately.
The Jets need someone that can represent the future of the franchise. Given their issues over the past three seasons, Smith might not be that player. Fitzpatrick certainly is not, but Mariota could be. If the Jets miss out on the quarterback, plenty of options could be available in 2016. Nick Foles, Sam Bradford, Kirk Cousins and Philip Rivers will all be options after contracts expire. Trades for Mike Glennon could be an option while Drew Brees is a longshot at best. If the Jets miss out on Mariota and Smith fails to improve in a crucial season, New York will make a big move to get a better option. There is no one left in Smith's corner following the departure of John Idzik and Rex Ryan so the quarterback is on a very short leash.
