Michael Vick could be swapping shades of green this season.
The quarterback, a free agent after spending five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, is now drawing significant interest from the New York Jets, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
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A move to the Jets likely would force Vick back into the role of backup/mentor to second-year signal-caller Geno Smith, a position the veteran was not too keen on filling earlier this offseason. Vick said in a January interview with Philadelphia’s 97.5 The Fanatic that he “just can’t see (himself) as a backup” after having lost his starting job to eventual Pro Bowler Nick Foles early in the 2013 season.
The Jets could benefit from bringing in a proven starter to both help and compete with Smith, though. The second-round draft pick was highly inconsistent in the starter’s role as a rookie, but with Mark Sanchez sidelined for the season, Smith was really Rex Ryan’s only option on the depth chart.
Smith finished the season with a 55.8 completion percentage, 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His 66.5 passer rating was the lowest among all qualifying quarterbacks, and the Jets failed to reach the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
