The New York Jets are reportedly interested in free agent running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Jets coach Rex Ryan, meanwhile, announced there would be an open competition between Michael Vick and Geno Smith for the starting quarterback job.
The Jets are reportedly eying Jones-Drew, a three-time Pro Bowler who spent his last eight seasons in Jacksonville. New York wants to add Jones-Drew to bolster their depth at halfback, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.
Pittsburgh met with Jones-Drew last week but left without a contract. CSNEE and the Miami Herald both refuted reports that New England and Miami, respectively, were interested in the veteran.
Jones-Drew, 29, missed 10 games in 2012 because of a Lisfranc foot injury. He managed to rush for 803 yards and five touchdowns last season, despite returning from his injury and being the only weapon in a depleted Jaguars offense.
The uncertainty at quarterback for the Jets, meanwhile, continues. Ryan acknowledged it would be another open battle for the starting gig between recently-signed Vick and second-year pro Smith.
"Will there be legitimate opportunities? Absolutely," Ryan said on Tuesday during an AFC's coaches breakfast, according to USA Today Sports. "In an ideal situation, they both earn the job. That's the way to do it and you can't go wrong in my opinion. Any competitor, you better want to be the starter at that position. Only one guy can be back there."
Vick, 33, signed a one-year deal for $5 million on Friday with the Jets. The veteran signal caller admitted he wants to be the starter, and he has an opportunity to supplant Smith.
Vick played well with Philadelphia during the preseason and won the starting job. An injury, however, sidelined him, and backup Nick Foles took the reins and never let go.
