The New York Jets continue to make quarterback adjustments to the roster after opting not to trade up for top players like Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston like they were originally rumored to do. Heading into OTAs, head coach Todd Bowles endorsed all four quarterbacks on the roster as potential starters for the team in 2015. However, just two days later that is apparently no longer the case as Matt Simms is officially released.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, the Jets have released fourth-string quarterback Simms, leaving the rotation down to Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Bowles recently stated that anyone stood a chance at earning the starting quarterback job, even Simms, despite offensive coordinator Chan Gailey stating that Smith was the guaranteed lead quarterback heading into the 2015 season.
"I view it as an open competition, with Geno being the starter," said Bowles, via ESPN.com. "It's his to lose. It's Ryan's to take. It's Bryce's to take. It's Matt's to take. Come camp time, there will be a competition at that spot. I've said it from Day 1."
Now it is Smith, Petty and Fitzpatrick left to battle it out. Right now in OTAs, Smith is taking all of the first-team snaps since Fitzpatrick is still recovering from a broken leg suffered last December. According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Fitzpatrick just began participating in team drills during OTAs this week. This is the first bit of action the quarterback has seen since getting traded to the Jets which bodes well for his chance at earning the starting spot.
Smith has gotten a head start on forming chemistry with his new wide receivers. Brandon Marshall told the media that he and Smith had been working out together in Florida before heading up for OTAs and he liked what he saw in the quarterback. Devin Smith also joins the rotation along with running backs Zac Stacy and Stevan Ridley. Fitzpatrick now needs to do the same.
Simms might not be the only Jets player on his way out before Week 1 of the season. Both Dee Milliner and Muhammad Wilkerson are considered on the bubble heading into the year thanks to other offseason additions. Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie rejoin the secondary while Leonard Williams could push Wilkerson out of the starting spot. The Jets have plenty of roster competition outside of the quarterback spot.
