The New York Jets once again have question marks at the quarterback position. The team has been utilizing the breakout year for Ryan Fitzpatrick, but with the quarterback suffering ligament tears in his thumb, Geno Smith is now the starter once again. With the Jets currently a playoff-contending team and quarterback depth a clear issue, where will New York turn for help under center?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets have no interest in Ryan Mallett. Following his fall from grace with the Houston Texans, Mallett could be considered the best available quarterback to add to the roster. At the moment the Jets have Smith and Bryce Petty as the only healthy options. Mallett would be an easy player to acquire, but considering all of the issues he had in Houston, the Jets are not looking to make the move. They would clearly rather have just Smith and Petty than take a chance on Mallett.
The Jets need to add someone and options are thin. With the trade deadline just hours away, the Jets could try and take a chance on making a deal. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, the easiest players to trade for would be Zach Mettenberger considering Marcus Mariota is the long-term option in Tennessee. With the rookie dealing with knee issues, that might not end up happening.
Mike Glennon could be the favored target for New York if they can acquire him. The one-time starter for Tampa Bay is now playing backup to Jameis Winston who is the franchise favorite. Glennon is a talent on the field and could easily turn into someone that is more than a one-season rental for the Jets. In terms of free agents, Matt Flynn, Christian Ponder and of course Tim Tebow are the names that highlight the market.
With Chris Ivory excelling at the running back position and Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall speeding down the sidelines, the Jets have a roster built to succeed with any quarterback. The biggest take away from the Fitzpatrick injury is the door that it opens for Smith. It is certainly not a secret that Smith is skating on thin ice with the Jets. After the broken jaw incident, the quarterback has a lot to prove and this is his opportunity to do so. If Smith can excel for the Jets in Week 9, he might save the team's season along with his future in the NFL.
