NY Jets: Bryce Petty gets shot at earning No. 2 spot

The NY Jets are continuing the development of quarterback Bryce Petty as he will have a shot at the No. 2 spot at the position once training camp begins.

If it’s anything to know about the Jets, it’s that they have a bad track record of developing quarterbacks the right way. Well, this new leadership regime on the team is trying to go about things the right way for once, especially when it comes to the overall development of Petty.

In an article written by Brian Costello of the New York Post, head coach Todd Bowles had this to say about Petty heading into next season:

“I think he’s developed. I think he’s still developing,” Bowles said. “We’ll see when preseason and camp rolls around next year how much he’s developed and whether the game has slowed down for him a little bit. We know he’s a talent and he can throw. He’s bright and he’s learning and he will keep progressing forward.”

Considering that Petty is entering year two of his NFL career, he’s already ahead when it comes to his progression. Many have said he’s learning the offense well and is picking up different defensive schemes much easier. He’s not ready yet but is making strides to be ready within another year or two as a serious option as a starting quarterback.

As quarterback Geno Smith is entering the final year of his rookie contract, this could be it for the incumbent quarterback. Should Petty beat him out during training camp and preseason football for the backup spot at quarterback, Smith might not be around as an option anymore for the Jets.

Aug 21, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) throws a pass during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Falcons 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side of the coin, in the event that Petty isn’t ready for the backup spot, the Jets would be wise to keep Smith around as their backup. That is of course if they’re able to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick to a short-term deal to keep him as their starter. Since Fitzpatrick has a history of injury and decline in play, the backup position for the Jets is incredibly important heading into next season.

It makes sense for the Jets to pretty much keep their quarterback trio intact heading into next season. Fitzpatrick would continue being the savvy leader of the group, Smith has starting experience and is a capable backup while Petty can just sit back and continue to progress on the sidelines.

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No matter what happens, the Jets are doing the right thing so far in the development of Petty. The fact that the higher-ups of the Jets have seen his progression shows his future can indeed be a bright one as he continues to hone his craft.