Geno Smith might get some time in the regular season as a change of pace QB, running the read option.
Credit: Getty Images
The Jets locked up their quarterback of the future Monday, that is, if he can beat out the guy crowned with the same title four years ago.
Second-round pick Geno Smith inked a four-year, $5 million deal with the Jets Monday morning. And while the deal was hardly unexpected, it is the first completed by Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports.
Smith fell in the 2013 NFL Draft after being projected by many analysts as a Top-10 pick and the first quarterback off the board. Instead, he fell to the second round at No. 39 overall and was the second signal caller selected behind E.J. Manuel (No. 16 overall to Buffalo).
He fired his agent the week after the draft, though he said it had nothing to do with his precipitous drop in the draft. He signed with Roc Nation Sports and was represented in the contract signing by agent Kim Miale.
According to sources, the Jets were not looking to draft Smith with either their No. 9 pick or No. 13 pick. But when Smith fell in their lap in the second round they pulled the trigger.
The team used their two first-round picks on Alabama corner Dee Milliner and Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Both remain unsigned as training camp opens this week. General manager John Idzik said last month during minicamp the team “would anticipate having everybody there ready for training camp.”
Smith fell due to his unfamiliarity playing under center in a pro-style offense and a reputation he earned for not being a hard worker while at West Virginia. He has denied that claim.
The rookie is expected to be in a battle with incumbent Sanchez for the starting position as the regular season opens. Head coach Rex Ryan called the competition even in last month’s minicamp.
“I think it’ll be clear when that time comes and you usually probably play a game or so and we’ll see what happens when you get into live competition,” Ryan said of determining who will start. “I think it’s probably the best way to judge a guy, anyway.”
Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.
