Jets GM noncommittal on possibly drafting QB, Geno Smith's future

Geno Smith and Bryce Petty: Those are the two quarterbacks under contract for the New York Jets in 2016. Ryan Fitzpatrick, who set a franchise record with 31 touchdown passes this season, will be a free agent in March. The Jets will have to decide whether he can be as effective next season despite being 33 years old. 

General manager Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles have publicly stated they would like to bring Fitzpatrick back, but money is always a factor when it comes to free agents. On Thursday, Maccagnan was somewhat mum on whether the Jets will be able to re-sign him.

Via NewYorkJets.com:

If the Jets don't bring back Fitzpatrick, it will leave them with two very questionable players in Smith and Petty. The former has seemingly had his time run out in New York, while the latter may not be ready to be a starter in the NFL.

Maccagnan likes the direction in which Petty is moving, but wasn't ready to say he's ready to take over as the No. 1 guy. And as for Smith, "he's under contract." It's safe to assume he doesn't have many coaches or front office members excited.

There are several directions the Jets can go in finding their next quarterback, with the draft being one of them. They hold the No. 20 overall pick, and while there most likely won't be an elite prospect at that spot, a starter can definitely be found in the middle of the first round. 

Drafting a quarterback would be the cheapest option, but it could set the Jets back a bit, given the chemistry Fitzpatrick, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker had this season.

Maccagnan left the door open to possibly drafting a young signal caller but wouldn't say for sure they'll take one high.