Geno Smith - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Geno Smith, Jets’ QB Situation

August 18th, 2015 at 2:58pm CST by Luke Adams

After undergoing jaw surgery last week, Jets quarterback Geno Smith continues to recover, and a spot on the short-term injured reserve list remains a possibility for him. However, as Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets, general manager Mike Maccagnan said today that the Jets are unlikely to use their IR-DTR slot on Smith.

According to Maccagnan, the Jets expect Smith to miss the first four games of the regular season, tweets Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com. The GM added that signing a veteran quarterback is something the team is “looking to do,” per Connor Hughes of the Journal Inquirer (Twitter link). Free agents like Matt Flynn and Rex Grossman have been linked to the Jets so far.

The IR slot with the designation to return can only be used on one player per team per season, so if the Jets expect Smith to only miss a month or so of the season, it makes sense that the club would hesitate to use its IR-DTR spot — the designation ensures that the player can’t practice for six weeks, and can’t play in a game for eight weeks.

Still, the Jets will have to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick and Bryce Petty on their active roster, so if they want to add a veteran backup and continue to carry Smith, that would mean devoting four roster spots to the quarterback position for the first month or so, which seems somewhat impractical. The club doesn’t have to make a decision on Smith until the first week of September, so there will be some time to determine how his health is progressing over the next couple weeks.

East Notes: Jets, Cowboys

August 16th, 2015 at 9:04pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

A look at the latest goings-on concerning a couple teams from the NFL’s two East-based divisions:

Jets head coach Todd Bowles had a talk with Geno Smith after the New York Post photographed the injured quarterback playing catch with a friend outside his apartment Saturday. “He shouldn’t be doing it right now,” Bowles said Sunday, according to the Associated Press. “We handled that internally. We had that discussion.” Smith had surgery Thursday on his broken jaw, which came from a punch by then-teammate IK Enemkpali on Tuesday. He’s expected to miss 6-10 weeks.
In better Jets news, rookie wide receiver Devin Smith is “very confident” he’ll be ready for Week 1, Newsday’s Kimberley A. Martin tweeted Sunday. Smith, a second-round pick from Ohio State, suffered broken ribs and punctured lungs early in training camp.
Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar has just 18 receptions since the team used a second-round pick on him in 2013, but head coach Jason Garrett spoke glowingly about the 24-year-old on Sunday. “He’s the right kind of guy, he works really hard at getting better every day and we’ve seen that progress,” Garrett said, per David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. “When he gets an opportunity, he’ll be ready for it.” Garrett went on to point to future Hall of Fame tight end Jason Witten’s presence as a reason for Escobar’s lack of productivity thus far.
The Cowboys worked out free agent receiver LaQuan Williams on Sunday, reports Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Williams, who has four career catches, was previously with Baltimore.

East Notes: Brady, Giants, G. Smith

August 13th, 2015 at 5:45pm CST by Luke Adams

Lawyers for the NFL and NFLPA are meeting today for more settlement talks regarding Tom Brady‘s situation, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Judge Richard M. Berman wants the two sides to compromise and reach a settlement, but Brady can’t concede to the NFL’s terms without committing perjury, argues Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports.

As Robinson explains, the league wants the Patriots quarterback to admit guilt, but Brady testified under oath that he was innocent. So if a settlement is to be reached, the NFL will likely have to give more ground than Brady and the NFLPA to make it happen.

Here’s more on the Brady situation, along with several more notes from out of the East divisions:

Judge Berman has made next Wednesday’s settlement conference optional for Brady and commissioner Roger Goodell, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk thinks the judge may be trying to discern whether Goodell and Brady view the case as sufficiently important to attend the meeting.
Free agent guard Evan Mathis may be on the verge of signing with an NFL team, according to a recent report, but Dan Graziano of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter) says he doesn’t think it’ll be the Giants, since he doesn’t believe they’re interested.
Graziano (on Twitter) also doesn’t see Jason Pierre-Paul staying with the Giants beyond 2015.
Geno Smith and IK Enemkpali are both to blame for the unrest in the Jets‘ locker room, Kristian Dyer of Metro NY writes. Meanwhile, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) suggests there’s a belief that Smith lacks respect within the Jets organization and may have been on his way to losing the starting job even before his injury. The quarterback underwent surgery today and had plates and screws put in, though his jaw won’t be wired shut, per Brian Costello of the New York Post (Twitter link).
Don’t blame Jets coach Todd Bowles for the Smith-Enemkpali smackdown and the recent Sheldon Richardson transgressions, but start judging him now, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com writes. How Bowles handles the team’s latest road bumps will determine what type of coach he becomes for the Jets.
Undrafted center David Andrews out of Georgia is a top candidate among the Patriots‘ four UDFAs to land a roster spot, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Rivers, L.A., Enemkpali, Tabb

August 12th, 2015 at 10:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Sources continue to tell Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune that they don’t expect Philip Rivers and the Chargers to agree to terms on an extension before the season, though it’s not unfathomable that the two sides will reach a compromise. According to Acee, the Chargers and Rivers both eventually want to work out an agreement that will allow the quarterback to retire with the team, but disbursement of guaranteed money in the third year of any deal is among the current sticking points in negotiations.

Eric Williams of ESPN.com (Twitter link) hears from a league source that San Diego is willing to guarantee the third year of Rivers’ new contract, which is common for franchise quarterbacks, and Acee acknowledges that such a detail is unlikely to be a long-term roadblock. But if the two sides don’t agree on the structure of the extension soon, they may wait until 2016 to get something done.

Here are a few more Wednesday night odds and ends from around the NFL:

During the owners’ meeting in Chicago this week to discuss possible relocation to Los Angeles, both the Carson and Inglewood groups made strong presentations, and both projects have their share of supporters, says Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). According to Cole, a large group of owners supports the Raiders and Chargers‘ joint Carson proposal, since it would solve the “California dilemma” in one fell swoop. On the other hand, a vocal contingent of owners – including Cowboys owner Jerry Jones – support Stan Kroenke‘s Inglewood proposal, since they feel the Rams owner’s deep pockets would make the project work.
Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times also has a recap of this week’s meeting regarding L.A., and touches on several of the same points as Cole. According to Farmer, many owners believe Kroenke has the best location and stadium plan, but he’s less popular among his peers than Chargers owner Dean Spanos, and St. Louis has done more than San Diego and Oakland to keep its franchise.
Explaining his decision to claim IK Enemkpali off waivers today from the Jets, Bills head coach Rex Ryan told reporters that Enemkpali “was a good teammate” last year in New York, adding that there’s no guarantee the former sixth-round pick will make Buffalo’s regular season roster (Twitter links via Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News and ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak).
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Ryan remains a fan of the player who Enemkpali cold-cocked — Mehta writes that, after landing the Bills‘ coaching job this winter, Ryan wondered aloud to friends if the Jets would trade Geno Smith to Buffalo.
Saints rookie tight end Jack Tabb underwent surgery this week to repair a torn ACL, a source tells Katherine Terrell of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Waived last Friday by the team, Tabb is currently on New Orleans’ injured reserve list and will miss the 2015 season.

Latest On Jets, Geno Smith

August 12th, 2015 at 9:16am CST by Zachary Links

The latest on those crazy Jets..

Although Geno Smith hasn’t made a final decision, the early indication is that the Jets quarterback won’t pursue a civil suit against IK Enemkpali, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets. However, a source told Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link) that nothing has been ruled out.
The Jets and Michael Vick‘s agent had a conversation about the potential of him re-joining the team in Geno Smith’s absence, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets. However, both parties determined that it wasn’t in their best interests to resume their professional relationship (link).
Smith’s jaw will heal, but he’ll have hard time recovering from this mess, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com writes. Even coach Todd Bowles had to admit that Smith won’t be getting the job back if Ryan Fitzpatrick or whoever the team’s QB is to start the year is successful. “If the other guy is playing well and the boat is going right and there are no waves, and everything is going and we’re 4, 5, 6, 7-0, yeah, you’re not coming back to start,” Bowles said.
Smith’s future with Jets may be in jeopardy now that he’s sidelined for 6-10 weeks, Mehta writes.

Community Tailgate: 8/11/15

August 11th, 2015 at 6:05pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be discussing Geno Smith, his broken jaw, and his NFL future. As you surely know by now, Smith is expected to be sidelined for 6-10 weeks after a locker room altercation with reserve linebacker IK Enemkpali left him with a broken jaw. Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in an offseason trade with the Texans, is poised to begin the 2015 campaign as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Rookie Bryce Petty will also be in the mix, but he likely isn’t ready to play just yet, so the team may consider adding a veteran backup until Smith is able to return to the field.

While Smith was set to begin the season as the Jets’ starting quarterback, it was far from a sure thing that he would keep the job throughout the season. After two very underwhelming campaigns in New York, many observers felt that it was only a matter of time before Fitzpatrick would wind up as the main option under center. Now, Fitzpatrick gets to start right out of the gate and even if he falters, Petty or maybe another QB yet to be signed could take the job and run with it.

Do you think Smith will regain his job as the Jets’ starting quarterback? If not, do you think it’ll be Fitzpatrick or someone else starting under center? Let us know in the comment section below!

Latest On Geno Smith, IK Enemkpali

August 11th, 2015 at 4:32pm CST by Zachary Links

Details on the fight that resulted in Geno Smith‘s jaw being broken..

The root of the problem between Geno Smith and the Jets linebacker came from a charity event hosted by IK Enemkpali in July, a source tells Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter). Geno was scheduled to appear but had to back out at last minute when he had a death of someone close to him (link). The linebacker asked Smith to reimburse him for his flight and limousine and while the quarterback agreed to do it, he apparently wasn’t quick enough with the payment in the eyes of Enemkpali (link).
Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis said there was a “miscommunication” that led to the incident between Smith and Enemkpali, Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com tweets.
Enemkpali, meanwhile, issued a statement on the matter (via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com on Twitter). “I apologize to the Jets organization, coaches, teammates, and fans. Geno and I let our frustration get the best of us..I should have just walked away from the situation. It was never my intention to harm anyone,” the linebacker said, while adding that he regrets his actions.

Geno Smith Out 6-10 Weeks

August 11th, 2015 at 12:29pm CST by Luke Adams

Geno Smith will be sidelined for the next six to 10 weeks following a locker-room altercation, head coach Todd Bowles told reporters today, including Brian Costello of the New York Post (Twitter links). Smith was punched by teammate IK Enemkpali and suffered a broken jaw, which will require surgery, per Costello (Twitter link). Enemkpali has been waived by the Jets.

According to Bowles, the argument between Smith and Enemkpali wasn’t football related — the head coach called it “childish,” and referred to Enemkpali’s blow as a “sucker punch” (Twitter links via Costello).

“It’s something we don’t tolerate,” Bowles said (Twitter link). “It’s something we can’t stand. You don’t walk up to another man and punch him in the face.”

With Smith now sidelined for the start of the regular season, Ryan Fitzpatrick, acquired in an offseason trade with the Texans, looks poised to begin the 2015 campaign as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Rookie Bryce Petty will also be in the mix, but he likely isn’t ready to play just yet, so the team may consider adding a veteran backup until Smith is able to return to the field.

If the Jets determine that Smith will miss closer to 10 weeks than six, the injured reserve with the designation to return is a possibility for him. That IR-DTR slot would sideline Smith for the first eight weeks of games, allowing him to practice six weeks into the season. However, that likely won’t be an option if the club expects him to be ready two or three weeks into the regular season.

As for Enemkpali, the 2014 sixth-rounder was one of John Idzik‘s final draft picks for the Jets. The former Louisiana Tech pass rusher only saw the field sparingly in his rookie season, playing 40 defensive snaps and contributing a little on special teams as well. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent if and when he clears waivers.

To replace Enemkpali on their roster, the Jets have signed cornerback Javier Arenas, the team announced (via Twitter). The veteran corner, who has experience returning punts and kicks, started nine games for the Chiefs’ defense in 2012, and last played for the Falcons in 2014. Arenas also played on Bowles’ defense in Arizona in 2013.

Community Tailgate: Jets QB Situation

June 23rd, 2015 at 5:23pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still a few months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This week, we’ve launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we head to the swamps of Jersey (metaphorically, not literally – settle down) to discuss the Jets’ quarterback situation. As we all know, the Jets have been pining for stability under center for years now. In 2009, the Jets thought they had found their future franchise quarterback in USC product Mark Sanchez. Sanchez helped guide the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship game appearances in his first two NFL seasons, but a few down years and a butt fumble led to his exit from New York. So far, Geno Smith hasn’t had much luck as his successor and 2014’s fallback plan Michael Vick didn’t give the Jets the kind of insurance policy they were hoping for.

But, hope springs eternal, and the Jets are cautiously optimistic that they can get Smith to turn things around in his third year. However, the new regime isn’t simply giving the reins to Smith and hoping for the best. This year, their insurance policy is veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, a quarterback with 89 career starts to his credit. Right now, Smith is No. 1 on the depth chart, but the 32-year-old has made it clear that he’s ready to be Gang Green’s starter if called upon.

“A lot of my career has been not necessarily being the guy right away and having to step in and not having there be any sort of drop-off,” said Fitzpatrick, according to Newsday’s Kimberley A. Martin. “That’s something that I pride myself on, whether I’m the Day One starter or whether I’m the third-string guy. When I go in there I’m going to be ready and be able to execute.”

Ultimately, do you think Fitzpatrick will win over Jets coaches in training camp and secure the starting job? If not, could you see him leapfrogging Smith early in the season? Or, do you think Smith will remain as the Jets’ No. 1 QB from wire to wire? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Sunday Roundup: Garoppolo, Tebow, G. Smith

May 24th, 2015 at 12:50pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s have a look at some links from around the league on this Sunday afternoon:

One of the silver linings of Tom Brady‘s suspension, according to Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald, is that the Patriots will get the chance to see if second-year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is truly Brady’s heir apparent.
Bob Ford of The Philadelphia Inquirer believes that not only will Tim Tebow make the Eagles‘ 53-man roster, he will suit up and he will play.
Only Cincinnati has drafted more wide receivers than the Packers since 2005, which marked Ted Thompson‘s first year as Green Bay’s GM. Thompson has selected 16 wideouts during that time.
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com says Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey did not undermine head coach Todd Bowles by proclaiming that Geno Smith would be the team’s starting quarterback, as Gailey was just reiterating what Bowles had said (in a less definitive manner) on prior occasions.
Cimini does note that the Jets are bucking a historic trend by having Smith open the season as their starting signal-caller. Football Outsiders complied a list of 10 quarterbacks over the past 25 years who performed as poorly as Smith has in their first two seasons, and although most of them were named the starter going into their third year in the league, most were also first-round draft choices. Smith, of course, was a second-rounder. Out of the 10 players that Football Outsiders listed, only two, Jake Plummer and Trent Dilfer, experienced any sort of success in the league.
Connor Hamlett, a tight end whom the Jaguars signed as an undrafted free agent earlier this month, indicated back in January that he was not going to pursue a professional football career. But Hamlett, per Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union, says, “I just took some time off because I was banged up. I love the game of football, and I wanted to play. The whole [story] kind of got blown out of proportion.” Jacksonville had a “draft-worthy” grade on Hamlett, who has a good chance to make the club. O’Halloran says the Jags could keep as many as five tight ends on the roster.
Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com says the Jaguars could release Toby Gerhart, but the ESPN scribe goes on to explain why he believes Gerhart will ultimately stay on the roster.
Roy Cummings of The Tampa Tribune says the Buccaneers, who traded a fifth-round pick to Detroit last month in exchange for George Johnson–after signing Johnson to a three-year, $9MM offer sheet–fell in love with the defensive end while watching film of Lions games in preparation for last year’s matchup with Detroit. Had the Bucs not played the Lions in 2014, Johnson might not have found himself in Tampa Bay in 2015.