Geno Smith is set to be the New York Jets’ starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season after returning to the team that originally drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Jets acquired Smith in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, sending a sixth-round pick in 2026 and receiving a seventh-round pick in return. This low-risk transaction aimed to secure a one-year starter, but the question remains: how effective was this deal for both franchises?
Jets’ Struggles Continue Amid Questionable Decisions
The Jets’ decision to bring back Smith seems fueled by nostalgia, yet it raises concerns given his previous record with the team. Smith’s nine seasons away from New York included stints with several teams, and his initial tenure with the Jets produced a 12-18 record as a starter. While the idea of recapturing “the good ol’ days” may appeal to some fans, this move does little to inspire confidence in the franchise’s direction.
The Jets’ front office appears disinterested in competing immediately, having recently traded away key defensive players Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline for future draft assets. Smith is clearly not viewed as the franchise quarterback moving forward. This brings into question why the Jets gave up even a low-value 2026 sixth-round pick, especially since their current starter, Justin Fields, posted better performance metrics and is only 27 years old.
Despite Fields being under contract for $20 million, the Jets plan to move on from him, which carries a dead cap charge of $22 million upon release. Meanwhile, they have opted to bring in the 35-year-old Smith instead. Fans might find a small consolation in the fact that Smith’s departure from the Raiders secured Las Vegas the first overall pick in the draft. Yet it seems unlikely Jets management, led by Aaron Glenn and Woody Johnson, will be able to capitalize on this rare chance to rebuild around a top prospect.
The possibility of Arch Manning, Peyton Manning’s nephew and a college star, avoiding the Jets remains a concern. Manning repeated his college tenure rather than joining the Jets earlier in his career, and many expect that whoever is picked first overall next year will face similar pressure from analysts and insiders urging them to stay in school. Should Smith’s return result in a 1-16 record, the team’s foundational problems will still be unresolved.
Raiders Reset With Focus on Fernando Mendoza’s Arrival
The Las Vegas Raiders’ experiment pairing Pete Carroll with Smith last season aimed to push the team into playoff contention but ultimately failed. With Tom Brady now out of the picture, the Raiders have cleared the roster to prioritize developing first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Although they had to pay a portion of Smith’s salary and only acquired a seventh-round pick for him, they are willing to accept these costs to move forward.
While Las Vegas still has Aiden O’Connell on their roster, they will likely pursue a seasoned backup quarterback to support Mendoza in his rookie year. Veteran candidates such as Tyrod Taylor, Carson Wentz, and Jake Browning are potential options, especially if the team chooses to have Mendoza sit out the early games to adjust to the NFL level.
The Raiders earn a tentative grade of C for this trade, as the financial burden and limited return make the deal far from ideal. Their experience with Smith was disappointing, yet the hope remains that Mendoza will become the franchise’s cornerstone quarterback, justifying the franchise’s recent moves and sacrifices.
