Michael Vick hints that he'll play backup to Geno Smith in New York

Is the QB competition between Geno Smith (left) and Michael Vick already over? (Bill Kostroun/AP)

When Michael Vick signed with the New York Jets, many believed the veteran quarterback would supplant the struggling Geno Smith.

But after an initial uncertainty, Vick has played the role of company man, promoting Smith and continually insinuating that he's nothing more than a backup quarterback.

This is of course the same man who just a few months ago said he didn't think of himself as a backup.

Regardless, Vick is saying all the right things and hinted that the job is Smith's to lose.

“Going through the competition with Nick [Foles in Philadelphia], we knew both of us coming in that it was open competition and the best guy was going to win the job,” Vick said. “Pretty much cut and dry. This situation is different. It’s kind of unique. Even though it’s not an open competition, we’re both competing every day.”

Teammates also seem to believe Smith will enter the year as the No. 1 QB.

"That’s the way it’s been so far," Tight end Jeff Cumberland said. "Geno’s the starter, [Vick’s] the backup.”

Even though he stands behind Smith, Vick still yearns to be a starter.

“It’s still tough right now ... I won’t lie,” he said. “Because deep down you always want to be a starter. Hopefully that opportunity will come again one day and I’ve just got to keep working for it.”