Namath: Smith will start even if Fitzpatrick re-signs

As the contract standoff between the New York Jets and Ryan Fitzpatrick continues, Joe Namath is throwing his support behind a signal-caller who's already on the roster.

The legendary Jets quarterback said Tuesday that he believes Geno Smith will be the team's starter this season regardless of whether Fitzpatrick eventually re-signs.

"I think Geno’s going to be the starting quarterback no matter if Fitzpatrick comes back or not," Namath said, according to Brian Heyman of Newsday.

Namath added, "His contract came up this year. I really believe Fitzpatrick wanted to sign, but I believe his agent was trying to get a number that the Jets wouldn’t give. And I also believe Geno Smith is the quarterback this year."

Smith was set to start last year before a training camp incident left him with a broken jaw. He's taken over first-team reps in Fitzpatrick's absence this offseason.

Namath echoed sentiments recently shared by the coaching staff, suggesting the former second-round pick has come a long way in his development.

"He was ahead of Fitz last year athletically," Namath said. "Geno has grown. He’s filling out stronger, and (he’s) more mature."

Namath certainly doesn't speak for the Jets when it comes to personnel matters, but it does appear possible that the team could give Smith another opportunity to thrive in a lead role.

The Jets and Fitzpatrick appear to be dealing with a significant gap in contract negotiations, and there's been no sign of progress. It's been over three months since he officially became a free agent.