Geno Smith

Could Geno Smith start again for the Jets in 2016? (AP Photo | Julio Cortez)

NEW YORK -- If the Jets don't re-sign free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, might Geno Smith get another shot at starting in 2016?

Wide receiver Eric Decker believes Smith is prepared for the opportunity.

"To see him in game-type situations would be exciting, because I feel like his confidence is back," Decker said. "He has developed a skill set. I think [from] being with Ryan, he learned to study the game a lot better. So I've got confidence in him. I just hope that he keeps pushing himself to learn the game mentally."

Decker spoke to NJ Advance Media on Wednesday night at a charity event in SoHo that honored and displayed artwork done by homeless and disabled people. The event was hosted by Leesa, an online mattress company, and AirLifting, an online art marketplace for homeless, disabled, and disadvantaged artists.

Smith started in 2013 and 2014, before being replaced by Fitzpatrick in 2015, after then-teammate IK Enemkpali punched Smith in the face and broke his jaw during training camp. Smith played in one game as a backup in 2015. His career numbers: 27 touchdowns, 35 interceptions, and a 72.3 quarterback rating.

Would he be any better as a fourth-year pro in 2016?

"I got a lot of work [with Smith] that first year and even in the offseason [last year]," Decker said. "He was developing. He was making strides."

Right now, as the Jets' prepare for Thursday's start of the NFL Draft, Smith is the top quarterback in their building, during voluntary offseason workouts.

"I think his mindset is he's got to bring everything to the table," Decker said. "He's got an opportunity right now, and he's got to make the most of it. So for him, I think the big thing is getting himself in shape, and also the cerebral part.

"We're watching tape besides working out, and that's where you can, as quarterback, just totally grow as an individual, learning the system, learning defenses, understanding when to throw on certain routes. I think those things for him, being a younger guy, are very important."

The Jets began workouts last Monday, so how soon would Decker like to have a starting quarterback in place?

"The sooner the better," he said. "Right now, we're watching tape and we're self-scouting ourselves, and kind of going over the system. The more times we can just talk football and be around one another, I think the further you are when you get to training camp, and that's so important to build a championship team.

"We were just learning each other and learning a new playbook in training camp [last year], and it kind of came together toward the end of the year. But now that we have this timeframe of the offseason, to get after it in the film room, and then once we get the opportunity to be on the field, just to get that timing down is irreplaceable."

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.