Geno Smith is nothing more than a backup

For the New York Jets, the biggest question this year is who will be the starting quarterback in 2016? Quarterback Geno Smith can’t handle it and is nothing more than a backup.

Since 2007, eight different quarterbacks have started for the New York Jets. Needless to say, it’s very hard to maintain long term success without consistency at the quarterback position. The Jets have tried for years to find a solution.

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Many considered quarterback Geno Smith the favorite to land the starting job last year. However, after an altercation with former teammate IK Enemkpali, Smith suffered a flashed potential as a capable NFL quarterback but suffered a broken jaw and the job was given to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

While Fitzpatrick did a very good job as the starter, he is 34-years-old and is not going to be the long term solution for the Jets whether he re-signs or not. As of now, Smith, Bryce Petty, and Christian Hackenberg are the only quarterbacks on the roster for the Jets. Smith is the only one of the three who has started a game in the NFL and has question if he’s able to get the Jets to the promised land.

Star wide receiver Brandon Marshall has said he is perfectly comfortable with Smith as the potential starter for the Jets in 2016. In an article written by Joseph Zucker for Bleacher Report, here’s what Marshall said about him:

"“A hundred percent confident in Geno. I think he’s grown so much from the first conversation I had with him, before I got traded [from Chicago last offseason], and also since [early] last year when we were roommates. He’s an ultimate pro right now. I don’t know if that’s always been the answer [about him]. But I’m just so proud of the kid, because the areas where he’s been challenged, he’s grown and gotten better.”"

As much Marshall is an incredible athlete on and off the field and has my respect, here’s to wishing the best for Smith, but it’s not going to matter what he or any other player on the roster thinks.

If the coaching staff and the front office had confidence in Smith, they wouldn’t have drafted Hackenberg in the second round of this year’s draft and continue to pursue a deal with Fitzpatrick. Smith’ s future (at least as a Jet) is all but finished barring an impressive turnaround.

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He’ll most likely remain a Jet until his rookie contract expires and barring an amazing turnaround, will be a free agent. He’ll more than likely sign as a backup for a team with a solid quarterback situation. Right now though, while Smith has flashed potential, he’s nothing more than a backup.