New York Jets Rumors: Geno Smith, Kellen Winslow Jr.
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said that the Jets might have a read-option package for rookie West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith in place, even if he ends up losing the starting gig to Mark Sanchez. This is according to a tweet from ESPN New York’s Rich Cimini, who reminds us that this is eerily similar to what the Jets said about Tim Tebow. And you know what they did with Tebow? Nothing, of course; no read-option package.
September 23, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; New England Patriots tight end Kellen Winslow (82) prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M
History could repeat itself for the Jets with Geno Smith in this regard, but Smith has a more realistic chance of getting the starting gig over Sanchez, even if Sanchez has reportedly looked good recently. This is something to keep an eye on in Jets training camp, and we’ll see if Marty Mornhinweg helps the Jets become more serious in actually making a read-option package for a backup QB come to fruition. The question is, though, do you really want a read-option for Smith?
Now, onto more significant news regarding the New York Jets that could involve the Jets signing somebody who briefly played for the New England Patriots last season. The Jets brought in Kellen Winslow Jr. and a couple of other pass-catchers in for a tryout at minicamp, and it sounds like Winslow’s tryout went well. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets will try to sign Winslow at the end of minicamp if his knees hold up.
With Winslow, the issue will always be whether or not his chronically injured knees are healthy and can hold up in order for him to be effective. He’s a quality tight end and would help out the Jets passing attack, but he’s clearly not worth it if he isn’t healthy. I find it very interesting that Mehta adds that this is the “worst kept secret” for the Jets at minicamp, and a potential Winslow-Jets move is definitely something to watch for.