New York Jets Rumors: Rex Grossman, Tyler Thigpen Candidates To Fill In During Geno Smith’s Recovery

The New York Jets are rumored to be looking into a handful of veteran quarterbacks to give the team depth while starting quarterback Geno Smith is nursing his broken jaw, with the likely candidate appearing to be Rex Grossman.

Smith, the planned starter going into the season, will be out the next eight to 10 weeks after suffering a broken jaw, thanks to a locker room punch from now former teammate I.K. Enemkpali. The Jets are planning to turn to journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick to start the year, but are now looking to the free agent wire in an effort to supply a bit of depth.

Rumors indicate that the New York Jets are looking into Rex Grossman, but wouldn’t have him immediately.

I’m told the #Jets reached out to Rex Grossman, who is dealing with an injury he suffered in training. Will need a few weeks to get ready.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) August 11, 2015

Tyler Thigpen is another potential candidate. He served as backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick before, playing second string on the Buffalo Bills during Chan Gailey’s tenure. Gailey is now the offensive coordinator for the Jets, and Thigpen is very familiar with Gailey’s system.

One player the Jets reportedly won’t be tapping is Michael Vick, who served as backup to Geno Smith last season.

NFL.com noted that the Jets and Vick decided against the reunion.

“NFL Media’s Rand Getlin reported Wednesday, per a source close to the situation, the Jets and Vick’s agent discussed the potential of a reunion, but both sides determined it wasn’t the right fit.

While this might seem like a mistake on the Jets‘ part, given that Vick might be by far the best quarterback on the open market right now, it seems like the club is going for scheme knowledge over ability.”

Many analysts believe the Jets could be better positioned with Fitzpatrick, who has had success under Gailey in Buffalo and would have no learning curve in Gailey’s system. Geno Smith showed flashes of excellent play, but struggled heavily at other times. In Fitzpatrick, the Jets know exactly what they will have — a gunslinger who can make big plays mixed in with a share of mistakes.

However the rumors pan out, the New York Jets may need to make a decision shortly. The team plays its first preseason game this week, and reports indicate that the new No. 2 behind Fitzpatrick, rookie Bryce Petty, doesn’t appear to be ready to take over the backup mantle in the long-term.

[Picture by Rob Carr / Getty Images]