NFL: Jets GM John Idzik Promotes “Open Competition” at QB

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams (95) hits New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Jets have one of the craziest Quarterback situations in recent memory.

Currently, the Jets have a staggering five options at the QB position, but the options for the “frontrunner” were thought to be incumbent Mark Sanchez or top draft pick Geno Smith. Then, GM John Idzik took to ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning” and promoted a five-man competition for the job.

In addition to Sanchez and Smith, New York also has former Jacksonville QB David Garrard, last year’s 3rd-string QB in Greg McElroy (formerly of Alabama), and former University of Tennessee QB Matt Simms.

I frankly don’t believe that either Simms (who has zero NFL experience) or McElroy would be in serious consideration, but Idzik went out of his way to state the openness of the process, and that is intriguing for many reasons. Sanchez is on the hook for about $8 million for 2013, so the money trail leads to him, but Garrard was once a top-flight player in Jacksonville, and the new investment is with Smith.

With a gun to my head, I would guess that Sanchez gets the first start with Smith taking over mid-season after the incumbent fails yet again. Needless to say, this is a situation we’ll be monitoring as training camp approaches, and it should be a must-see circus during the season.

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