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Bowles confirms Fitzpatrick as Jets' starter: 'It's his job'

Greg M. Cooper / USA TODAY Sports

Any lingering doubts about Ryan Fitzpatrick's standing upon his return to the New York Jets was firmly erased Friday by head coach Todd Bowles, who confirmed the veteran passer will retake his position as the club's starting quarterback.

"It's his job," Bowles said, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

While it was all but certain Fitzpatrick would regain the starting job he held throughout all of last season, his absence coupled with the presence of former starter Geno Smith meant the question still needed to be asked.

The Jets and Fitzpatrick ended their stalemate Wednesday, agreeing to a reported one-year, $12-million contract, with $3 million in performance-based incentives.

The 33-year-old didn't receive the long-term deal he was believed to have been seeking, but was happy to take up the challenge of a one-year deal.

"I would much rather pass up on some of that guaranteed money ... and bet on myself and just see what happens," Fitzpatrick said.

Bowles also confirmed Smith, who's been taking first-team practice snaps in Fitzpatrick's absence, will move to the backup spot, with Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg acting as the team's third and fourth quarterbacks, respectively.

"Geno's here at number two right now unless Bryce and Hack have some great gain, if they come along like gangbusters," Bowles said. "Number two right now, it's open. If Fitz has some setbacks ... something else. Geno's one, I mean Fitz is one, Geno's two, Bryce is three, Hack is four."

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