The Jets recently added a fifth quarterback to their roster after their rookie mini camp. Despite already having four players at that position on the roster, the Jets thought enough of former BYU, Kansas and Miami quarterback Jake Heaps to have him compete with their crop of passers. This was a surprise as Heaps performed poorly for three college programs and couldn’t stick with any of them. But the addition of Heaps perhaps underlines the general dissatisfaction with the current quality of the others on the roster. Of course, Heaps has no realistic shot at becoming the starter for the Jets, or even making the opening day 53 man roster. But who will be the starter? The choices could be more comforting.
Here are the options for new head coach Todd Bowles:
Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in the offseason via a trade with the Houston Texans.
Incumbent part time starter Geno Smith, the Jets’ 2nd round draft choice in 2013.
Rookie Bryce Petty, selected in the 4th round.
Backup Matt Simms, who has not impressed in 2 seasons with the Jets.
Gone is Michael Vick.
At this point the starting position seems like a 3 man race between Fitzpatrick, Smith and Petty. The acquisitions of Petty and Fitzpatrick make the likelihood of Simms having any real shot at playing time, or even the opening day roster, very slim. Of the three, Fitzpatrick has by far the most experience and shown the ability to offer steady play. In fact, Fitzpatrick is coming off his best statistical season last year in Houston. Most fans will remember a mix of mediocre to good play in Buffalo from Fitzpatrick, as well, but his track record makes him the early favorite.
Smith is still holding out hope that things will turn around with his Jet career. And while he improved from year 1 (which was a disaster) to year 2, his play was still very erratic and nowhere near consistent enough to deliver an acceptable number of wins for the team. There is no question his potential is the highest, but will he ever put it together? Smith wasn’t Bowles’s draft investment, so the coach’s commitment to making things work here are more than uncertain.
Petty is a Bowles draft pick, so it’s fair to assume he envisions him as a possible starter down the road. It seems unlikely Petty could come in and beat not one but two experienced veteran quarterbacks in his first NFL training camp, but it’s not like the competition is overwhelming. Petty is a guy to keep an eye on for 2016 or later, but more likely Bowles would prefer to develop him while Smith or Fitzpatrick hold down the organization.
For now we’ll place the likelihood of Fitzpatrick being the opening day starter at 60%, Smith at 30%, Petty at 9% and Simms at 1%.
