Geno Smith was the declared starter for a team that nearly went to the playoffs this year, before a former teammate broke his jaw and he became a forgotten man.
So, of course thinks he can be a starter again in the NFL.
“When I came in, from day one I wanted to play and that’s never going to change,” Smith said, via Seth Walder of the New York Daily News. “I want to be out there. I want to compete.”
Smith was supplanted by Ryan Fitzpatrick after linebacker IK Enemkpali punched him in the face, and we barely heard a peep from him the rest of the season. Of course, Fitzpatrick went on to lead them to the verge of the playoffs, and the team has said they’re interested in bringing the veteran free agent back as the starter next year.
Smith was asked if he would prefer to be in a situation where he had a chance to start, and was described as “snippy” in response.
“I guess if you’re saying I don’t have an opportunity here, I don’t believe that,” Smith said. “We don’t know what’s going to transpire, we don’t know what’s gonna happen. We have to see. . . .
“No one can predict the future. I know that you guys like to. You like to think that you know everything. But we’ll see.”
At least he’s not defensive about it, though even without a crystal ball, it’s hard to see a team who would be willing to go into the season with Smith as a starter.