New York Jets: Who Takes Over For Ryan Fitzpatrick?

It sure seems like nothing is going to change now or in the future regarding the New York Jets quarterback situation.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has dug his heels in on the contract front. He seems to want a big pay day, even if it’s just for one year and the Jets are clearly unwilling to meet his demands. That was drive home by Ian Rapoport and his latest update on the talks.

Update on the #Jets situation with Ryan Fitzpatrick: Nothing. … Just nothing. Doesn't seem like things will change heading into minicamp.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2016

Thus the problem at hand is what do the Jets do if they can’t come to terms with the veteran? It’s obvious they have to stage and competition and make a decision between the three primary quarterbacks they have on the roster in Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. The problem lay in the fact that none of those options present any sort of stability. Each has a problem that could potentially make them the weakest link on the roster.

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Smith is the most experienced by far of the group. He’s started 29 games in his career with an 11-18 record. He came close to leading them to the playoffs as a rookie in 2013. However, he wasn’t the main reason. Smith has never really been all that good a quarterback, sprinkling two or three really good performances in a host of mediocre or bad ones. Most feel he just doesn’t have the quick read-react skills necessary to perform at a consistent high level.

Petty was a star at Baylor in college. In two seasons as a starter he threw for over 8,000 yards and 61 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. At 6’3”, 230 lbs he has the ideal size and a live arm that can make all the throws. His problem is he did most of the damage in a spread offense. His understanding of the complex natures of NFL schemes is severely limited. To say nothing of the iffy health history he came with (suffered a bad back injury).

Then there is Hackenberg. The rookie 2^nd round pick is probably the most talented of the trio. Big, strong, tough with all the arm strength one could want and decent mobility as well. For a brief instant as a freshman at Penn State he looked like a future superstar. Then coaching and scheme changes, not to mention the lingering stain of the Sandusky scandal combined to shatter his development. He’s a physically gifted young man who has lost his way and needs time to rebuild his confidence. Would the Jets be willing to give it to him?

So who should it be? Each has merit and each comes with a big warning sign as well. The NFL Mocks crew was asked to weigh in. Here is what they had to say.

Shawn Spencer

"“Geno Smith by default. Bryce Petty is a career backup and Christian Hackenberg needs this season to learn the system and regain his confidence. I could also see Todd Bowles bringing in someone he’s familiar with, such as Ryan Lindley, to compete with Smith for the starting job.”"

Jonathan Gross

"“It’s Geno’s job to lose. Despite his flaws, they don’t have any other options at the moment. Run the ball and play good defense, and it shouldn’t matter too much.”"

Indeed it does look like Smith has the immediate advantage due to his prior experience. The New York Jets know how painfully close they came to making the playoffs last year. Starting a quarterback like Petty or Hackenberg at this stage would likely rob them of a chance to get over the hump. Smith wouldn’t have to be the star. He has a strong enough cast around him to where all he has to do is manage the game, limit his mistakes and try to make five or six big plays a game.

Time will tell if the New York Jets brass can find another solution, but until then they have a big decision to make.