John Idzik isn’t even guaranteeing Mark Sanchez a roster spot this summer, much less the Jets’ starting job this fall.
In fact, the Jets don’t even have a starting quarterback at the moment now that their new general manager is calling a “five-man competition” for that spot.
That was the main takeaway from an all-day media blitz by the Jets’ new general manager and coach Rex Ryan yesterday in which they said a lot while — especially in the close-to-the-vest Idzik’s case — actually saying very little.
Sanchez’s fate, especially since the Jets drafted his potential immediate replacement in West Virginia’s Geno Smith last week, was the main topic of conversation on Idzik’s radio tour.
Cutting Sanchez would be costly — nearly $17 million against the cap over the next two seasons — but appears to still be on the table judging from Idzik’s comments yesterday.
Asked on WFAN if he could guarantee Sanchez would still be on the roster after June 1, when the Jets can lessen the immediate cap hit by releasing him, Idzik wouldn’t be definitive.
The only thing Idzik is guaranteeing Sanchez is the chance to compete in offseason workouts this month against Smith, veteran David Garrard, Greg McElroy and Matt Simms.
“Given his track record and what he brings to the table, I would expect Mark to be here — but let’s let it play out,” Idzik told the station. “Let’s not try to predict things. Let the play on the field answer the question and not somebody in April trying to predict what happens in July or August.”
The media tour (Idzik and Ryan also held a conference call with season-ticket holders) came on the heels of a busy, eight-day stretch in which the new general manager traded franchise cornerstone Darrelle Revis, drafted Smith and released Tim Tebow.
Idzik said the drafting of Smith last weekend prompted the Jets to finally jettison Tebow on Monday. Tebow cleared waivers yesterday and is now a free agent facing a very uncertain NFL future if he stays at quarterback.
“Drafting Geno in the second round, it became apparent that we had six quarterbacks — something had to give,” Idzik said on ESPN radio. “We thought it was appropriate at that time to release Tim.”
Idzik confirmed the Jets received trade inquiries for Tebow before his release. A league source said that interest went nowhere because all the teams wanted Tebow to change positions to tight end, but he refused.
“Suffice it say, especially during free agency and leading up to the draft, there’s a lot of kicking tires,” Idzik said of trade calls for Tebow.
Idzik said the Jets never asked Tebow to change positions since Idzik was hired this winter to replace the fired Mike Tannenbaum.
“While I was here, he was slated as a quarterback,” Idzik said.
Idzik also said he has no plans to muzzle Ryan, despite their dramatic contrast in personalities
“Rex will be Rex,” Idzik said. “He’s very charismatic. It’s refreshing to have his personality and humor in the room, so we wouldn’t want to damper that at all.”