Jets' Bowles says Geno Smith 'light years ahead' of last season

With the Ryan Fitzpatrick contract situation dragging on, the New York Jets seem to be getting increasingly comfortable with the prospect of starting quarterback Geno Smith.

The fourth-year pro has developed in his second season in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's offense and, despite the organization's unwillingness to close the door on a Fitzpatrick return, has left head coach Todd Bowles impressed with his improvement.

"He's light years ahead of where he was last year," Bowles said of Smith on Tuesday. "He's night-and-day."

Smith's caught in a tight spot as the presumptive backup to Fitzpatrick, should he re-sign, as second-round pick Christian Hackenberg is the new "quarterback of the future," making 2016 a make or break proposition for Smith with the Jets.

Bowles also confirmed Tuesday there is no "drop-dead deadline" for Fitzpatrick's signing, meaning the fluid nature of the Jets' quarterback situation will likely continue into training camp.

After handling the bulk of snaps in 2013-14, Smith played in one game in 2015, throwing two touchdowns against one interception.