The Jets’ quarterback situation remains murky, but Matt Simms will remain a part of it.
The team extended Simms’ contract through 2014 and will pay him $495,000, according to NFLPA records. Simms worked his way from fourth on the depth chart last winter up to No. 2 when last season began. He was scheduled to be an exclusive-rights free agent in March, which means he was going nowhere anyway.
Simms, the son of Giants legendary quarterback Phil Simms, appeared in three games last season in relief of Geno Smith. He completed 16 of the 31 passes he attempted for 156 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
General manager John Idzik would not commit to Smith being the team’s starter in 2014, saying the Jets would consider other options at quarterback. Mark Sanchez, who missed the entire 2013 season with a shoulder injury, remains under contract, but could be released in the coming months.
According to NFLPA records, the Jets also signed backup linebacker Jermaine Cunningham to a one-year deal that will pay him a base salary of $730,000. Cunningham, who played in two games for the Jets last season, was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March.