When the New York Jets re-signed Geno Smith to a one-year $3.3 million contract (the Raiders are paying Smith over $19 million after releasing him) during the offseason, the organization hoped to find stability at quarterback by reuniting him with the franchise that originally drafted him.
Smith's first tenure in New York did not pan out as either side had envisioned. Drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft, Smith endured inconsistencies and struggled to establish himself as the team's long-term answer at quarterback.
Since leaving New York, Smith has revitalized his career and established himself as a reliable starter. The 35-year-old enjoyed his most successful stretch with the Seattle Seahawks, including a monster 2022 season where he threw for 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions while earning Pro Bowl honors.
However, Smith took a significant step backward in 2025, his lone season with Pete Carroll and the Raiders. He completed 67.4% of his throws for 3,025 yards and 19 TDs while also throwing a league-high 17 interceptions and led the team to a 3-14 record, the worst in the NFL.
Now back in the Big Apple for the 2026 NFL season, Smith will have another opportunity to prove he can still be a starting quarterback; however, expectations remain tempered.
Can Geno Restore the Feeling in New York ?
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo recently ranked Smith as a tier-6 quarterback, along with Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jacoby Brissett,
“After a nightmarish 2025 season, Smith still managed to land another starting opportunity in the Big Apple, where his NFL career started. It’s safe to say, though, that Smith’s starting days will be in the rearview mirror if this season mirrors what happened in Las Vegas,” wrote DeArdo.
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It's up for debate if Geno is a tier above the listed quarterbacks he was placed with. One for sure is that Smith enters the 2026 NFL season with plenty to prove. He’ll be looking to bounce back from a disappointing year with the Raiders while showing the Jets he can still provide steady, dependable, competent quarterback play.
The Jets are hoping Smith can recapture the form that made him one of the NFL's greatest comeback stories just a few seasons ago while providing a reliable quarterback option while the franchise develops its future at the position.
Geno Smith Can Serve as a Bridge for Rookie Cade Klubnik
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The 35-year-old isn't viewed as the franchise's long-term solution at quarterback. He can serve as a valuable bridge option with rookie Cade Klubnik waiting in the wings. The Jets could also look to take another quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft if Klubnik does not develop as expected.
The Jets also have Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook, who will alod battle for a spot on the depth chart if Smith struggles or misses time.
In the meantime, Smith has a chance to steady the ship by giving the Jets something they've been searching for in a long time, and that's consistent quarterback play.
