Tyler Thigpen: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent QB

The New York Jets have been forced to look for depth at quarterback after losing quarterback Geno Smith for six to 10 weeks Tuesday after he was punched by linebacker IK Enemkpali in a locker room altercation that resulted in a broken jaw, per the New York Post's Brian Costello. While it had been reported they were interested in Tyler Thigpen, the team doesn't plan to work out the veteran. 

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Jets Deny They'll Work Out Thigpen

Tuesday, August 11

ESPN's Josina Anderson reported the Jets don't plan to work out Thigpen, after ESPN.com's Dianna Marie Russini reported earlier the team had interest in him.  Anderson added the team planned to go into their first preseason game "with the three arms that we have."

With head coach Todd Bowles confirming that veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick is temporarily stepping into the starting role, per the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta, and rookie Bryce Petty operating as the team's backup in light of Smith's incident, the Jets need to add stability to their stable of quarterbacks. 

In that regard, Thigpen makes sense. 

Although he hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since 2012, Thigpen last trotted onto the field with the Buffalo Bills when current Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey was Buffalo's head coach. 

And since he's familiar with Gailey's scheme, Thigpen could at least give the Jets some peace of mind as Smith recovers from the debilitating ailment. 

Rotoworld's Evan Silva provided more background on Thigpen's long-term relationship with Gailey: 

Over the course of seven seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, Thigpen has thrown for 3,222 yards and 21 touchdowns while tossing 18 interceptions. He's also completed 54 percent of his passes and made 12 starts during that span. 

Thigpen isn't a particularly compelling name, but the Jets can't afford to get picky at this stage of the offseason. With few viable alternatives available, the experienced Thigpen would be able to solidify New York's depth and impart some wisdom about Gailey's system to a rookie like Petty.