Dean Michaels

New York Jets general manager John Idzik announced that the five remaining quarterbacks on the team's roster will fight it out for the starting job, including last year's starter Mark Sanchez.

"Mark's in the competition," Idzik told ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike in the Morning" show. "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)."

The Jets had six quarterbacks in their fold when they selected Smith in the second round of the NFL Draft but the number dropped to five when they cut Tim Tebow.

According to a source, the plan is to bring Sanchez to training camp as his $8.25 million base salary is fully guaranteed.

The Jets would get stuck with a $12.4 million cap charge if they release Sanchez with a June 1 designation and there's no trade market for him because of his contract.

Meanwhile, Idzik said Smith will not be spared from the New York pressure even through he was drafted in the second round.

"Being he's in the New York market and at a high-profile position," Idzik said, "I think he's going to be center stage, regardless."

Later in the day, coach Rex Ryan reiterated Idzik's statement, saying 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."

Ryan also admitted the team dropped the ball with Tebow, who was acquired by the Jets from the Denver Broncos last season.

"We really didn't take advantage, in my opinion, of his skill set," he said. "Ultimately, that's my fault."

Jets GM: 5 Remaining QBs to Compete for Starting Job - NFL 2013