Now, he's getting paid for it.
The Jets announced Monday they signed the second-round signal-caller out of West Virginia. ESPNNewYork's Rich Cimini reported Smith's deal "will be about $5(million) over four years."
Smith's signing comes on the day Gang Green's rookies were slated to report to training camp. Now, only the team's two rookies drafted ahead of Smith -- cornerback Dee Milliner (No. 9 overall) and Sheldon Richardson (No. 13) -- remain without contracts.
Jets general manager John Idzik is reportedly insistent on working "offset language" into the two first-rounders contracts, which is reportedly the reason he's yet to reach an agreement with either party's camps.
As for Smith, Sanchez remains the favorite for the first-string gig as far as Week 1 is concerned. However, Smith could get a quick nod if the veteran gets off to a rocky start. There's still a chance he progresses very quickly through August and earns the job that way, but it's a small chance.
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