If Geno Smith can’t begin to prove he’s the long-term answer for the Jets and they decide to move on from the second-round pick, here are their most prominent options in the draft and free agency.
Post NFL writer Bart Hubbuch consulted scouts and analysts to rate the Top 10 quarterback prospects available in April’s draft and also takes a look at NFL quarterbacks who could hit the open market.
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1. Teddy Bridgewater
Andy Lyons/Getty Images Junior, Louisville
Ideal candidate because of his rare combination of skills and smarts.
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2. Marcus Mariota
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images Junior, Oregon
Stock has risen steadily, although he could use another year.
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3. Derek Carr
Brian Bahr/Getty Images Senior, Fresno State
Younger brother of former No. 1 overall pick David Carr, but with none of the size issues.
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4. Johnny Manziel
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson Sophomore, Texas A&M
Divides scouts like no other QB prospect this year, and not because of the off-field silliness.
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5. Zach Mettenberger
Chris Graythen/Getty Images Senior, LSU
Has really come on in his senior year and is the prototype drop-back passer many NFL teams love.
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6. Brett Hundley
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Sophomore, UCLA
Great frame, great arm and mobile, but he could also use another year in college.
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7. Tajh Boyd
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images Senior, Clemson
Athletic run-pass threat who led the Tigers with nine rushing TDs this year.
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8. Bryce Petty
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Junior, Baylor
Posted outlandish numbers in the Bears’ bombs-away offense, but can he read a defense?
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9. AJ McCarron
AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley Senior, Alabama
Veteran player who’s better than the “game manager” he is so often made out to be.
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10. Jimmy Garoppolo
AP Photo/Southern Illinoisan, Paul Newton Senior, Eastern Illinois
Senior with good size who threw 79(!) touchdown passes in his final two seasons combined.
And now on to the free agents…
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11. Jay Cutler
AP Bears, age: 30
Could still get the franchise tag from Chicago, meaning he won’t be going anywhere.
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12. Matt Schaub
AP Texans, age: 32
Two-time Pro Bowl pick who probably just needs a change of scenery.
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13. Michael Vick
Getty Images Eagles, age: 33
Might be the end of the line, simply because he can’t stay healthy.
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14. Josh Freeman
UPI Vikings, age: 25
Some scouts aren’t ready to write him off yet, even after his Year From Hell.