What happens now at quarterback for the Jets?

The quarterback position for the New York Jets has been nothing but mediocre the past few years, and it’s time for a change. But, what exactly is that change?

Over the past four seasons, the New York Jets have had nothing but mediocre performance at the quarterback position. Four-year quarterback, Geno Smith has shown absolutely no promise, veteran quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick fooled us all this season, and one-year quarterback, Bryce Petty didn’t really play at his full potential. Their fourth option, Christian Hackenberg, hasn’t even had a chance to play yet.

The bad news about this season is that the Jets downgraded from a 10-6 season to an abysmal 5-11 one. The good news, however, is that it’s finally over and they can start preparing for better days next season, and this has to start at the quarterback position.

It is likely that Fitzpatrick and Smith are headed out the door. They haven’t shown enough “franchise quarterback” talent, and, well, that’s what this team needs. Fitzpatrick did show promise in 2015, but since he had no offseason, it didn’t show in 2016.

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Smith has never been that great, but it wasn’t totally his fault. Former head coach, Rex Ryan, threw him into the fire his rookie year. He needed a quarterback and thought, “hey, this rookie, who has no NFL experience, and who isn’t even a first round pick, can definitely make this lackluster team a dynasty.”

Well, Rex, that’s not how things work in the pros. However, Smith didn’t play too bad that year, leading that team to an 8-8 record. Unfortunately for them, that was about as much success as he would ever muster up since he was given no time to learn or train.

Now let’s talk about the young guys, and we’ll start with Bryce Petty. This kid showed that he can at least manage a game, but he still isn’t ready to be a starter. He doesn’t have a tremendous pocket presence, isn’t very accurate, and doesn’t always make the right decisions just yet.

While he isn’t quite ready, he may become ready with a full offseason’s worth of practice. Now, let’s move on to the kid out of Penn State, Christian Hackenberg. This guy was given no playing time this season, but that may have been a wise decision because it gave him a chance to watch and learn.

He was able to see what decisions are smart, and what decisions are not. If he’s been putting in the work this season through practice, workouts, and film study, then he might be ready after the offseason.

While young quarterbacks show a lot of promise, it can’t be the only thing the Jets bank on. They should also bring a veteran in, but not for a high price. Find someone who has experience, but doesn’t exceed the salary cap.

This guy, whoever it may be, could come in and help teach these guys what it takes to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. This move has worked for other teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys.

That team has given their rookie quarterback, Dak Prescott, two veterans to teach him, and it has proven to be successful. If the Jets do what the Cowboys have done, it may solve the teams’ problems at that position.

Another positive for the Jets this offseason is their top first round pick. However, they should not use that on a quarterback. This team also needs offensive linemen, and with this high pick, they could go in and get a talented guy who, with enough practice, will be ready go in Week 1.

Next: Jets need to address linebackers in 2017

Of course, this is all just a plan. The Jets could decide to go with something completely different this offseason, and it may work just as well, but the point is, the Jets have to do something different. If they don’t, nothing is ever going to change.

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