On Wednesday, Jets GM Mike Maccagnan addressed reporters for the first time since training camp. Here’s a look at the highlights of the 20-minute chat, via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com:
- The GM said that veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has a place in the team’s future plans. Maccagnan said he’s “very happy” with the 32-year-old, who will be a free agent after the season. He raved about Fitzpatrick’s intangibles, adding, “I think he has a lot of good football left in him.” Fitzpatrick, who is earning $3.25MM this year, is scheduled to hit free agency after this season. He’s likely due for a raise based on the way he has played this season as the Jets’ starter.
- Where does that leave Geno Smith? Maccagnan was non-committal when asked about the West Virginia product and declined to say whether he considers him to be a potential starter for Gang Green. “The jury is still out, but not in a bad way,” Maccagnan said of Smith’s future. For his part, Cimini said that he isn’t buying that, and noted that Jets brass has been around Smith every day for seven months, so they likely know what they have in the QB.
- When asked about defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, the GM wasn’t willing to say much. “I’d say for the record, Mo has done a very good job and we’re very happy with what he’s done so far,” Maccagnan said. Cimini feels that all signs point to Wilkerson being slapped with the franchise tag at season’s end.
- Things have “been positive” with Sheldon Richardson, the GM says, but he indicated that he still wants to see how the defensive end conducts himself going forward. Earlier today, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that Richardson still may be disciplined by the NFL for his off-field behavior, but it likely won’t happen until the offseason.