Rex Ryan has said that there is no clear-cut favourite to take the starting quarterback role at the New York Jets for the 2013 season.

Mark Sanchez has had the job for the last four years, but a poor run of form saw him replaced by Greg McElroy towards the end of the 2012 campaign.

The Jets head coach told ESPN Radio: "I don't think there's a clear-cut favorite in my opinion. I just think it's going to be competition from Day 1, and obviously Sanchez will take the first snap and things, but that's all you can say.

"I do know this, the play at quarterback has to get a lot better. There's no doubt. Whether it's Mark or somebody else, we know we have to improve in that area without a doubt. I guess we can file that in the 'no kidding' category."

McElroy and last year's backup Tim Tebow remain on the Jets' roster, while David Garrard and Matt Simms have also been brought in during the off-season to compete for a starting place.