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New York Jets: What Will They Do Minus Geno Smith?

By Russell S. Baxter

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In his first two seasons with the New York Jets, quarterback Geno Smith missed only two games and made a total of 29 starts.

No doubt some fans of the Green and White had to be somewhat disappointed by those facts.

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The 39th overall pick in 2013 has had his problems in a few departments but certainly ball security was at the top of the list.

Now the third-year pro has an even bigger issue to deal with, as does general manager John Maccagnan, head coach Todd Bowles and the organization in general.

Smith is expected to be out from six to 10 weeks recovering from a broken jaw he suffered in a locker room clash with teammate and linebacker Ikemefuna (IK) Enemkpali.

By the way, that would be former teammate IK Enemkpali, who was released by the Jets following the incident.

“There was an altercation in the locker room,” said Bowles to reporters, including Seth Walder of the New York Daily News, shortly after the incident. “Had nothing to do with football… Something very childish…He (Geno) got cold cocked, sucker punched whatever you want to call it, in the jaw.”

As to what sparked the fight of sorts? “Something very childish that sixth-graders could have talked about and it had no reason to happen,” added Bowles. “Something you don’t tolerate.”

We are aware that it now leaves Jets with quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick, who the team traded for this offseason, as well as rookies Bryce Petty, a fourth-round pick from Baylor, and undrafted free agent Jake Heaps. However, are there any available veteran free agents that Maccagnan and Bowles may be looking at?

By the way, for the record, we believe Brett Favre is finally retired.

Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills strong safety Duke Williams (27) tackles New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Bills won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The logical addition would seem to be Michael Vick, who spent 2014 with the team, played in 10 games, made three starts, threw three touchdown passes, a pair of interceptions and was sacked 19 times.

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Matt Flynn comes to mind. He was just let go by the New England Patriots (who brought in Ryan Lindley) but is perhaps best known for his work with the Green Bay Packers when he was called upon.

There’s also Jordan Palmer, who threw some passes for the Tennessee Titans this past season. What about Tyler Thigpen?

Walder also added that according to a source, the team had reached out to Rex Grossman, a first-round pick of the Bears in 2003 who led that club to Super Bowl XLI but has also seen his share of different uniforms. The last time we saw him throw a pass was 2011 with the Washington Redskins.

Smith’s career with the Jets has had more downs than ups. Over the past two seasons, the club has committed a total of 53 turnovers and Smith combined for 41 of those miscues. With a new head coach and new offensive coordinator, the Jets now have to get a new quarterback ready when it had basically handed Smith the job.

It’s an unfortunate blow for a franchise that for the vast majority of this offseason (with the exception of the Sheldon Richardson and now Smith incidents) had been filled with positives.

Next: New York Jets: If…And…But for 2015

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