One day after cutting Tim Tebow, New York Jets general manager John Idzik said Tuesday the five remaining quarterbacks on the roster will compete for the starting job, including the embattled Mark Sanchez.

"Mark's in the competition," Idzik said on the "Mike & Mike in the Morning" show on ESPN Radio. "We fully expect it will help him get better. It'll help David [Garrard] get better. It'll help Greg [McElroy]. It'll help Matt Simms. It'll certainly help Geno [Smith]."

Later, in an interview with WFAN, Idzik sent out mixed signals on Sanchez. He said he "would expect him to be here," but he refused to make a commitment, even short term. Asked if Sanchez will be on the roster after June 1, Idzik said, "Let's let it play out. ... I don't want to make any definitive statements at this time."

There have been smaller fields in the Kentucky Derby than the Jets' quarterback competition. The depth chart ballooned to six on Friday when they selected Smith, the former West Virginia star, in the second round. There was immediate speculation that Sanchez could be released.

Coach Rex Ryan, speaking later in the day on ESPN New York 98.7 FM's "The Michael Kay Show," reiterated that nothing will be handed to Sanchez.

"There's no guarantee Mark will be our starting quarterback," Ryan said. "That job will have to be earned."