Jets must keep Bryce Petty at all costs for the future

The New York Jets got to see the progression of quarterback Bryce Petty as it’s imperative they keep him at all costs for the future.

The New York Jets backup quarterback Bryce Petty injured his shoulder early in the final preseason game in Philadelphia. Petty should be fine moving forward but make no mistake about it, they must keep him on the roster going forward.

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Petty’s second year in the NFL has already been full of ups and downs, highs and lows, and he’s yet to play a down in the regular season. Since sitting out his entire rookie year learning behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith, Petty has impressed the organization with the improvement in his game. In the four preseason games he’s appeared in, he’s certainly done enough to earn his spot on the roster.

After throwing a 44-yard touchdown to undrafted rookie Robby Anderson, Petty was hit hard, ending his night after only playing for three series in which he completed four of six passes for 87 yards.

When head coach Todd Bowles announced prior to the game that Fitzpatrick and Smith would sit out the final preseason game, it came close to a guarantee that Smith would survive the cuts and lock up the backup role.

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You can’t blame Bowles for playing it safe and wanting to keep Smith.

After all, he’s the only quarterback on the roster not named Fitzpatrick who’s got experience playing in the regular season.

This brings us to our next question, where does this leave Petty?

Petty’s injury is perhaps a blessing in disguise. Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan have done a good job in keeping four quarterbacks on the roster.

With the emergence of rookie wideouts such as Anderson, Jalin Marshall, and Charone Peake, it’s important to develop them for the future, once Petty is ready to compete for a starting spot. After performing well in the preseason, the Jets are developing a nice young corps of receivers for Petty to have in his arsenal in the next year or two.

It should also be known that if something were to happen to Fitzpatrick and Smith, the Jets would feel more comfortable with a player who already knows their offense instead of having to bring in a veteran off the street. It would take a while for the said veteran to learn a new offense and get up to speed.

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The evidence for Petty to make his case to continue being developed was on full display all offseason long as he’s well on his way to being ready. He’s done enough. The Jets would be making a mistake by releasing Petty or trading him away when he can be exactly what they’re looking for in the next few years. Patience is key as Petty can once again put another year under his belt honing his craft with those around him.