New York Jets: Potential Competitors at Quarterback

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback

(7) yells out from the line of scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest task facing Todd Bowles, by far, is getting the quarterback situation right. Geno Smith will be returning, but will not be handed the job. He hasn’t been consistent enough, as we all know. Matt Simms is also likely to be back, but it doesn’t seem likely that he will have a significant chance to win the job.

Potentially, Michael Vick could be back, I would even advocate it. But, it seems more and more like Vick and the Jets will go their separate ways.

So, we can assume that the Jets won’t enter camp with just Matt Simms and Geno Smith at quarterback. The Jets will likely, even if they draft one, add one from somewhere in the league, to lend some experience.

Here are some potential additions at quarterback that would be serviceable, in the short-term, and maybe even in the long-term.

Next: Jake Locker

Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback

(10) rushes against the New York Jets during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

JAKE LOCKER: Jake Locker’s tenure with the Titans is very likely over. His season ended at the hands of the Jets when he dislocated his shoulder. Overall, his play has been inconsistent, but the young quarterback has had his moments.

Locker can take care of the football, far better than Geno Smith has. To date, Locker has thrown 27 touchdowns versus 22 interceptions. In his rookie year, Locker played in five games, threw for four touchdowns without an interception, and a passer rating of 99.4. Even in 2014, Locker posted two starts with ratings far over 100.

Locker is only 26 years old, and has averaged under $4 million per season. It’s not likely that he would command a big number on the open market. Jake Locker could help the Jets in the short-term, and at his young age could find a home at quarterback for the New York Jets.

Next: Mike Glennon

Nov 2, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback

(8) throws a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

MIKE GLENNON: Here is a guy not currently available, but will likely become available, and is a guy that could potentially find a home with the New York Jets at quarterback.

When Lovie Smith took over as the head coach and brought in Josh McCown, the writing was on the wall that this was Smith’s guy, and Mike Glennon’s status as the starter was in jeopardy. By week ten, McCown was the quarterback.

But, Mike Glennon has not been bad. Though they went 4-9 in 2013 with Glennon as the starter, he showed a lot of potential. Glennon threw for 19 touchdowns versus only nine interceptions, and completed nearly 60% of his passes. His passer rating was 83.9, which is not bad at all for a rookie. Even though his percentage dropped to 57% in 2014, he still threw for ten touchdowns versus six interceptions.

The potential is there. The Bucs, in most circles, are believed to be taking a quarterback with the first overall selection in the draft. Glennon will likely be available, either after being cut or via trade. Making less than $1 million per year, Glennon won’t cost much, is only 25 years old, and can potentially be the long-term answer at quarterback. He would certainly be a formidable player in the quarterback position.

Next: Brian Hoyer

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback

(6) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

BRIAN HOYER: This is more of a short-term quarterback solution than a long one, but one that could be a player in the competition, and push Geno Smith just a bit.

Hoyer’s career to date has been mediocre, with 19 touchdowns versus 19 interceptions, and only a 55% completion percentage. However, Hoyer did earn the Cleveland starting quarterback job as the regular season began in 2014. Hoyer posted six games with over a passer rating of over 90. During one stretch, Hoyer led his team to five wins in six games. Hoyer can play the quarterback position.

He also makes under $1 million, and shouldn’t command a lot. Hoyer could be a player in the Jets quarterback competition as well. He is not likely the long-term answer, but could help the Jets at quarterback in the short-term.

Here are just some players that the Jets could add to the quarterback position that could, at the very least, push Geno Smith.

Next: The Jets True Draft History