Ryan Fitzpatrick

• 2016 Projected Role: Starter

The reason Geno Smith will be cut has everything to do with the return of Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Although the backup situation will be quite interesting, to say the least, it’s a move Maccagnan will probably have to make. The Jets want Fitzpatrick and Fitz wants New York.

It couldn’t be more evident. Fitz has been seen doing the town in every which way since the offseason started. Whether it’s getting called out by the Doggie at the reunion show or getting snapped on the subway en route to Madison Square Garden to watch the New York Rangers, this Harvard grad obviously has the Big Apple on his mind.

It won’t be easy, as the Jets currently have just $3.338 million in cap space, but it’s most definitely possible. Reworking the deals of Eric Decker and/or Buster Skrine is one way to get it done. Cutting veteran Breno Giacomini is another direction Fitz can fit in under the salary cap.

Fitz knows the system, is most comfortable with the offense, and provides the Jets the best chance of winning in 2016.

What second-year regime would ever want to go from 10-6 to a losing and rebuilding-like season in year two under a project QB?

Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles sure don’t want to experience that. Expect Fitzpatrick back and touching the backside of Nick Mangold come summertime.

If Jets fans have hate for the man who’s the single-season franchise record holder with 31 touchdown passes in a season, they might need to look in the mirror.