Brandon Marshall Comments on Geno Smith Potentially Being Jets' Starting QB

New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall offered quarterback Geno Smith a vote of confidence Tuesday.   

Marshall discussed how his opinion of Smith has improved over the last year, per NJ Advance Media's Darryl Slater:

"

A hundred percent confident in Geno. I think he's grown so much from the first conversation I had with him, before I got traded [from Chicago last offseason], and also since [early] last year when we were roommates. He's an ultimate pro right now. I don't know if that's always been the answer [about him]. But I'm just so proud of the kid, because the areas where he's been challenged, he's grown and gotten better.

"

Of course, Marshall has little choice but to support the fourth-year passer. Smith will likely be the Jets' starting quarterback to start the 2016 season unless either Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg somehow wins the job before then.

Marshall has done everything he can to get Ryan Fitzpatrick back in New York, but the veteran QB remains a free agent. Jets owner Woody Johnson said Tuesday that there's "no news" on negotiations between the team and Fitzpatrick, per Newsday's Bob Glauber.

At least Marshall offered a stronger endorsement for Smith than Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, per Slater:

Starting Smith wouldn't be ideal. The 25-year-old has thrown for 5,836 yards, 27 touchdowns and 35 interceptions in 31 NFL games.

Until something changes, though, Marshall and his teammates would be smart to talk highly of Smith to help build his confidence. As much as Smith has struggled in the past, he gives New York the best chance to win in 2016. The Jets' playoff hopes are almost certainly gone in the event they need to insert Petty or Hackenberg under center.