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.