The Jets have released a pair of quarterbacks this afternoon, parting ways with Matt Flynn (via player’s tweet, confirmed by NFL Network’s Albert Breer) and Josh Johnson (via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News on Twitter). That leaves the team with three quarterbacks on their roster: veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, rookie Bryce Petty, and Geno Smith, who is recovering from a broken jaw.
The Jets inked Flynn to a deal in August following his release from the Patriots. The 30-year-old never saw the field with New England, but he did throw for 136 yards and two scores during Thursday night’s preseason game. The former Packers draft pick has bounced around a bit since leaving Green Bay in 2011, having also spent time with the Seahawks, Raiders and Bills.
The team also added Johnson in late August following his release from the Bengals. The 29-year-old made an appearance during the Jets’ final preseason game, passing for 82 yards while adding 76 yards on the ground. Johnson has only appeared in three games since 2012.
ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini tweets that Flynn’s entire salary would not have been guaranteed had he been on the roster for Week 1, noting the previously claimed termination pay. The reporter notes that this wasn’t the case for Johnson.
Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com wonders (via Twitter) if the Jets may take a week-by-week approach for their veteran third-stringer. By taking this approach, they could avoid paying guaranteed money to a player who will likely be gone once Smith returns.