The New York Jets believe in Geno Smith. New head coach Todd Bowles made it clear that as of this moment, Smith was sitting at the top of the depth chart. With Ryan Fitzpatrick currently injured, the third-year quarterback is the best option New York has. The team will certainly inquire about drafting Marcus Mariota, but with other teams thinking the same thing, chances are high they miss out. So what happens if Smith struggles in 2015?
Smith is the starter for next season, but nothing is guaranteed after that. Bowles and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey are endorsing the former second-round draft pick simply because they have no other options at the moment.
"You can't have equal first-team reps with a quarterback," Bowles said, via the New York Daily News. "Geno will start out taking them, but that doesn't mean that Ryan can't take his spot if Ryan's playing better and performing better. Obviously, we have to cross that bridge when we get to it for him to take the position... I would be sitting here lying if I said they're going to get equal reps. Geno is going to take reps with the first team and Ryan's going to take reps with the second team."
A quarterback competition is not what the Jets want to hear. Smith and Fitzpatrick do not inspire much confidence in a division that features Tom Brady. Would Mariota be better? Several mock drafts have the Jets selecting the former Oregon star, but only if he falls into their laps. Competition is high to grab the quarterback the Jets might miss out. That does not mean the team will not select a quarterback at some point. Bryce Petty, Brett Hundley and Garrett Grayson are quality options to get, but they might not be immediate starters.
That leaves the lingering idea of Philip Rivers. The San Diego Chargers have made it clear that Rivers is not available for trades this season. However, the quarterback is playing on an expiring contract and could opt to hit the market next year. If Smith and Fitzpatrick show they are simply not the option anymore, the Jets could make a move on the veteran. Rivers would push the Jets into contention immediately. Neither Smith nor Fitzpatrick are on par with the New England star, but Rivers is. New York has yet to indicate they are eyeing a quarterback in the draft, but they would be smart to consider Rivers for the future.
