AP

Last year, Jets offensive lineman Willie Colon raised some eyebrows when he said Geno Smith was never ready to be the Jets’ starting quarterback. This year, Colon thinks Smith is ready.

Colon, a free agent who is expected to retire, said on ESPN Radio that if free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick walks, Smith has reached the point where he can be the leader of the franchise.

“I think Geno’s been humbled,” Colon said, via NJ.com. “I think he’s taken on everything; I think he’s ready to rise. I still have confidence in him. I think with the pieces we have around him, and continue to put around him, he can be successful. I honestly believe that. I think Geno’s a good quarterback.”

Smith was expected to start ahead of Fitzpatrick last year before losing the starting job when a punch from teammate IK Enemkpali broke his jaw. Fitzpatrick played well enough while Smith was hurt to keep the starting job, and Smith ended up appearing in only one game last season.

But if Fitzpatrick leaves, Smith might just be the best option the Jets have. That doesn’t sound like a great option to most people, but Colon thinks Smith can get the job done.