Report: Jets Interested In QB Josh McCown; Vick, Schaub Unlikely
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It appears that the Jets aren't completely sold on quarterback Geno Smith.
"We don't anoint starters in February," general manager John Idzik told reporters last week. "We don't anoint them in March."
So that's that. After an up-and-down rookie season for New York's signal-caller, Smith might again have to compete for the starting job.
But who will he be competing with?
According to the New York Daily News, Idzik is interested in free-agent-to-be Josh McCown, who was excellent for the Bears after Jay Cutler went down with an injury.
The newspaper did report that McCown is likely viewed by Jets brass as a backup, and a possible starter if Smith regresses in his sophomore campaign.
But after the season that McCown had in 2013, it's quite feasible that the journeyman could beat out Smith in training camp.
In eight games for Chicago last season, the 34-year-old completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,829 yards, throwing 13 touchdowns to just one interception for a 109.0 passer rating. He also added a touchdown on the ground.
As for other free agents, it's unlikely that Idzik will sign four-time Pro Bowler Michael Vick, according to the New York Daily News. Vick, of course, played under Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg for four seasons in Philadelphia.
The newspaper also reported that two-time Pro Bowler Matt Schaub, who could be released by the Texans following a nightmarish 2013, is not much of an option because he's looking to start.
There's still a possibility that Mark Sanchez will return to the Jets, but his contract will have to be reworked as he's due a $2 million bonus in March and brings a $13.1 million cap charge.
"Let's just let it play out," Jets coach Rex Ryan told reporters on Thursday at the NFL Combine. "I always want guys back … (Would) I want (Sanchez) back? Absolutely. Would I want all my guys back? You guys know my answer. You know how I feel about my players. That's just the way it is."
The free-agency period begins on March 11.
In his first season, Smith completed 55.8 percent of his passes and threw for 2,883 yards. He threw 12 touchdown passes and rushed for another, but had an alarming 21 interceptions and seven fumbles.
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