5 potential replacements for Ryan Fitzpatrick

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Aug 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass during the second half of the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won, 17-23. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Geno Smith

Geno Smith has had a tumultuous career with the Jets. After Mark Sanchez injured his shoulder in 2013, Smith got thrown into the fire as the starter. This resulted in 21 interceptions (25 total turnovers) and 12 touchdowns. He brought the turnovers down in 2014 with 16, but threw for just 2,525 yards in 14 games.

The West Virginia product had been set to be the starter in 2015, but one errant punch in the face later, things changed. Ryan Fitzpatrick became the starter and led the Jets to a 10-6 record, leaving Smith on the outside looking in.

One year later, the Jets are in a situation when Fitzpatrick is struggling mightily after throwing six interceptions in one game. Smith is also the backup. If a change is made, Smith is the obvious replacement.

Despite not being effective in two seasons as a starter, Smith has the more experience than Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, neither of whom have taken a regular season snap. While the Jets could throw either of those two into the fire to see what they can do, if they want to make the playoffs this season, that might not be the best choice. Rolling with someone who can battle first-string NFL defenses could give the Jets the best chance to win, even if it might not be great.

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Going in-house with Smith would mean the Jets don’t have to mortgage future picks and take on more money. They wouldn’t have to release one of their quarterbacks, either, which would be ideal. Geno Smith may not be the most appealing choice, but he’s the best option the Jets have in case they decide to make a quarterback change.

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