Jets stand pat, focus on future

Tuesday was a relatively quiet day around the NFL, including in Florham Park, N.J.

As expected, the Jets stood pat prior to the 4 p.m. trade deadline, an indication that they're not focused on the immediate future, but rather on 2014. For now, the roster remains the way it was last week -- with a rookie quarterback looking to settle into a rhythm with his makeshift offense.

The extent of potential roster movement for the Jets came courtesy of two workouts Tuesday, one with offensive tackle John Wetzel (Boston College) and guard Patrick Ford (who spent time with the team in training camp), according to ESPN New York.

While coach Rex Ryan has his sights set on making the playoffs -- and retaining his job next season -- general manager John Idzik and his personnel staff are primed for the 2014 draft.

The Jets, a team desperate to slash salaries this offseason, are expected to part ways with their former franchise quarterback, Mark Sanchez. The five-year veteran signed a three-year extension in 2012 -- an ill-advised gesture of good faith by the Jets, who clearly were unsure whether Sanchez was the answer.

Sanchez, who is on injured reserve and rehabbing from surgery on his throwing shoulder, is making $8.75 million this season.

The Jets also are expected to break free of Santonio Holmes after the season. The wide receiver signed a five-year, $45 million contract in 2011, but agreed this past offseason to reduce his salary from $11 million to $7.5 million. Holmes' production has been minimal since last year, when he suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury in Week 4. He's been sidelined this season by a hamstring problem.

Next April, a bevy of young talent will be at the Jets' disposal, and Idzik will look to build upon the success he's started to establish with their young defensive line. Depending on how this season plays out, the team could be in the market for a new quarterback, as well as much-needed offensive weapons. But, for now, the future appears bright with Geno Smith.

He has been as inconsistent as his team, which is second in the AFC East at 4-4. But with the Saints (6-1) coming to town this weekend, the Jets will need Smith to be at his best.

A day after the Jets were dismantled, 49-9, by the Bengals, Smith was asked how he would evaluate himself halfway through the season.

His response?

"Now is not the time for evaluation,'' Smith told reporters Monday, following his two-pick-6 performance at Paul Brown Stadium. "I'm still working, I'm still learning, I'm still trying to go out there and be the best that I can be every single week.''