Jets should keep all four quarterbacks

As the New York Jets continue training camp, it’s important to realize that in the grand scheme of things, it’s best to keep all four current quarterbacks on the roster for the future.

The New York Jets are in a very interesting situation when it comes to quarterback. They were able to re-sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to have him be their starter this upcoming season while also being a great veteran presence to groom those around him. Quarterback Geno Smith gives the Jets a solid option as a quality backup with starting experience in case he needs to step in and take care of business. For the most part, their starter and backup positions are good heading into 2016.

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The past few years, general manager Mike Maccagnan wisely drafted quarterbacks the moment he arrived on the scene. So far, he’s drafted Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg with hopes of finally landing a franchise quarterback. One that the Jets haven’t had in a very long time.

So far during training camp, Petty seems to be the odd man out should the Jets decide to stick with just three quarterbacks for the regular season. However, it’s in the best interest of the Jets to keep all four quarterbacks in the grand scheme of things.

For a team with a terrible history of properly developing, training and coaching quarterbacks towards greatness, they need to keep drafting them until they find one worthy of leading this franchise to a championship. It’s not easy but there is no guarantee that either Petty or Hackenberg will be developed towards such a role.

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That’s why it’s best to continue developing and drafting quarterbacks as much as possible and eventually having a competition in the future with those ready to take it to the next level.

Fitzpatrick won’t be around forever, but if in 2017 works out as envisioned, the Jets should finally have a real quarterback competition to see who is ready for the most important role on the team.

At this point in time, Petty and Hackenberg simply aren’t starting material just yet but if one of them or even both of them are ready in another year or two, it’s a great situation to be in.

If the Jets keep all four quarterbacks, next year’s training camp, should they keep all of them, would be a great competition to see between Smith, Petty and Hackenberg.

It’s always best to have more options than less as Maccagnan knows if this franchise is to finally be a legitimate contender, they need a consistent franchise quarterback in place like all the other successful teams in the NFL do. The best teams that always make the NFL Playoffs all have one thing in common in that they have an established franchise quarterback leading the charger.

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Overall, whether they keep all four on the active roster or stash one on their practice squad, it’s imperative that all four current quarterbacks are kept for the long-term. One never knows what can happen in the future as there is a possibility that Smith, Petty or even Hackenberg could be exactly what the Jets need under center for years to come once it’s time to head in a different direction besides Fitzpatrick.