The New York Jets might have taken a step toward fixing their quarterback situation, but one NFL analyst believes the move shouldn’t stop them from thinking long-term at the position. If there’s one thing the Jets have yet to figure out, it’s the long-term issues at QB.
After acquiring Geno Smith in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets now have a veteran capable of at least giving them some sort of help.
However, Joel Klatt of Fox Sports views that addition as more of a bridge than a long-term answer, which is the right thing.
Klatt linked New York to Ty Simpson with the No. 16 overall pick, naming the pairing as a logical next step in building toward the present and future of the roster.
“The Jets got Geno Smith in a trade with the Raiders this past week. Let’s be real, though, New York shouldn't be saying, ‘We’re all set’ at quarterback after that move.
“I can’t get Simpson out of my head, either. My knock on Simpson isn’t his size, because he can make throws outside the hashes and down the field, but that he only started for one season in college. However, with Smith in tow, Simpson doesn’t need to start right away. He also played well in some big moments, like at Georgia and at Oklahoma this past season,” Klatt said.
Simpson’s ability to make big time throws and perform in big moments suggests that he can be a really good player one day, but his limited experience as a starter introduces some risk that the Jets need to consider.
For the Jets, though, that risk isn’t as big with Smith being here now. With Smith in place, New York wouldn’t be forced to rush Simpson into starting action. Instead, it could take a developmental approach and allow the rookie to learn behind a veteran while adjusting to the speed expectations of the NFL in New York.
That would also align with the Jets’ bigger need to think beyond just the upcoming season. I like Simpson and think he’d be a nice addition, but I also worry about the Jets developing a quarterback.