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Geno Smith punched in gut by Ryan Fitzpatrick deal

By Alex Butler
Geno Smith arrives on the red carpet at the XXIII Gridiron Gala at New York Hilton Midtown on May 10, 2016 in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
1 of 3 | Geno Smith arrives on the red carpet at the XXIII Gridiron Gala at New York Hilton Midtown on May 10, 2016 in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 29 (UPI) -- Although it wasn't literal this time, Geno Smith received another punch this week when he learned he would not be the starter for the New York Jets.

That news came via the Ryan Fitzpatrick deal. Fitzpatrick's one-year, $12 million contract sealed Smith's fait on the bench again this season.

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Fitzpatrick led the Jets to a resurgence last season, passing for a franchise-best 31 touchdowns.

"I'm not disappointed," Smith told ESPN's Rich Cimini. "I'm kind of pissed off, but it's not a detrimental thing. It's not something where I'm pissed off at anyone, because we all want to be in there. This just adds fuel to the fire, but not in a negative way."

"I don't want to be a headline because it's not what I'm trying to say. It's more as a competitor, as a quarterback, knowing what I'm capable of and really believing in myself, knowing the work I put in. You want to be out there, but you have to play with the cards you're dealt."

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Smith, 25, started 29 games in 2013 and 2014. In those games, he had an 11-18 record. He completed 466-of-810 passes for 5,571 yards, 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in 30 games.

But on Aug. 11, 2015 Smith got into a locker room fight with then-teammate IK Enemkpali. Smith was punched and broke his jaw, forcing him off the field and paving the way for the veteran to take over.

Smith is due $675,000, with a $414,491 workout bonus, this season. He is a free agent next year.

On Thursday, NJ.com's Connor Hughes wrote: "A bruised and battered former second-round pick himself, Smith's three years in New York have left fans cursing the high heavens far more often than pumping their fists. In 31 career games, Smith has turned the ball over 42 times."

Hughes also speculated that the Jets could cut Smith and stay with rookie Christian Hackenberg, Fitzpatrick, and second-year quarterback Bryce Petty.

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