Carson Beck eyed as new $107m star’s replacement as Steelers face competition from rival for QB

Less than two weeks after returning to the New York Jets, Geno Smith is already facing a challenge for his job.

Jets General Manager Darren Mougey met with Carson Beck before watching his work out at Miami’s Pro Day, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

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Connor Hughes of SNY reports that they also had a private workout with former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar last week.

In what has been branded a weak NFL Draft class at quarterback, Beck is an interesting prospect.

He posted a 72.4 percent completion rate, with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions to lead his team to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

With Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to the championship, the only sure-fire top-five pick, Beck is considered a day two or three selection.

He could be the perfect development option for an NFL team willing to make a dart throw with an established QB already in place.

The Jets fit the bill and Smith, who has earned $107 million since being drafted in the second round by Gang Green in 2013, will be looking over his shoulder.

Injury and poor form saw his first spell in New Jersey end after just three years and his second will begin with plenty of pressure after a torrid 2025 campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Carson beck eyes NFL Draft

Beck spent five years at Georgia, where he worked with new Cleveland Browns Head coach Todd Monken.

He has registered his interest in a reunion, with draft rivals Ty Simpson and Drew Allar also keen on the Browns.

“I love him personally,” Beck told reporters at the Combine.

“I’ve actually known him since I was seven or eight years old. I played baseball with his son whenever he was the wide receivers coach with the Jags. That’s cool.

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“I’ve been able to have a really good relationship with him over the years, and obviously at Georgia, he taught me a lot of what I know. He’s an amazing coach.

“I had the opportunity to talk with him a little bit the other day when I was done with all my interviews.

“We walked and chatted for a little bit. I love Coach Monk. He’s an awesome coach and great guy.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers have also met with Beck, where he could end up learning from Aaron Rodgers if the vet decides to sign a new contract.

With untested Will Howard — a sixth-round pick in 2025 — the current back-up plan, Rodgers retiring would be a major blow to Pittsburgh.

Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson, who won Super Bowl XXXV in black and gold, is furious.

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“What is it with these ex-Green Bay Packers quarterbacks, where they have to be talked about all the time?” he asked, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.

“Brett Favre was that way for years… (now it’s) Aaron Rodgers.

“Is he going to play? I get kind of tired of it. Listen, if he’s going to play, just say he’s going to play.

“The team shouldn’t wait for Aaron Rodgers, they need to move forward.

“For this year, I think it’ll be something similar to last year, where I think they have a deal in play. (Rodgers) can say he doesn’t have a physical contract in front of him.

“Maybe they’ve talked about it, and need to hash out the terms for a one-year deal. But it doesn’t seem the Steelers are moving in any direction to get a quarterback.

“Or maybe they’re that intrigued by Will Howard, that he’s going to be that guy, if Rodgers doesn’t come back into the building.”

Fit is everything for a young quarterback as there are few second chances, although Smith proved it is possible with the Seattle Seahawks.

New York has been a poisoned chalice, but the Jets will surely find a franchise QB eventually.

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