The New York Jets have re-signed former quarterback Geno Smith through a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday. Smith, originally drafted by the Jets in 2013, returns to the team after nearly a decade, aiming to lead the franchise through the 2026 season amid key roster changes. This move appears strategic as the Jets prepare to move forward without their current starter, Justin Fields.
Details of the Trade and Contract Restructuring
The Jets traded a sixth-round draft pick to the Raiders in exchange for Smith and a seventh-round pick. As part of the agreement, Smith consented to restructure his contract, significantly reducing the financial burden on the Jets. Before the adjustment, Smith had two years remaining on his deal, valued at $66 million. Under the new terms, the Raiders will cover $16.2 million, while the Jets will be responsible for only $3.3 million.
General Manager Darren Mougey expedited the trade a day ahead of the official start of the league year to prevent other teams from competing for Smith’s services, with the Minnesota Vikings reportedly showing interest. Smith successfully passed a physical at the Jets training center on Tuesday, with the trade set to become official after 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Smith’s Expected Role and Team Strategy Moving Forward
Geno Smith is anticipated to be the Jets’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Although Justin Fields remains under contract for 2025, the Jets likely plan to release him. With Smith’s addition, the organization can begin focusing on securing a reliable backup. Carson Wentz, who shares a connection with new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, is the favored candidate to fill that role. Furthermore, the Jets may pursue a quarterback in the upcoming draft, though likely not in the early rounds.
The franchise’s broader vision involves searching for a long-term quarterback solution in the 2027 draft, in which they hold three first-round picks and the draft class is expected to be stronger than this year’s crop. Meanwhile, Smith’s return serves as a bridge to stabilize the quarterback position during the 2026 season.
Background on Geno Smith’s Career and Previous Stint with Jets
Geno Smith, now 35 years old, had a challenging recent season after joining the Raiders, following productive years with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and 2023. In the 2023 season with Las Vegas, Smith threw 19 touchdowns against 17 interceptions while contending with a poor offensive line and a midseason coaching change after Chip Kelly was fired.
Smith first entered the NFL as the Jets’ second-round draft pick in 2013, during Rex Ryan’s tenure as head coach. His initial years with the Jets were tumultuous; he started from 2013 until a preseason altercation in 2015 left him with a broken jaw, opening a path for Ryan Fitzpatrick to become the starter and guide the Jets to their most recent winning season. Smith returned as starter in 2016 but suffered a torn ACL early in that year.
Smith departed from the Jets in 2017 and spent four years as a backup with the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle Seahawks. He earned the Seahawks’ starting quarterback position in 2022, delivering 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. However, his performance declined afterward, leading the league in interceptions with 32 over the past two seasons.
Implications of Smith’s Return to the Jets
The Jets are looking to Smith to replicate the success he had during his best years with Seattle and bring stability to their quarterback position. His return also reunites him with teammates and coaches as he embraces the opportunity for a fresh start.
Complete full-circle moment back to where it all began,
Smith said in a text to NFL Network.
I’m excited to connect with my new teammates and coaches and everyone in the building as well as build a new relationship with the fan base and community.
– Geno Smith, Quarterback
Smith joins Demario Davis, another veteran originally drafted by the Jets, in returning to the team this offseason. The Jets hope these experienced players will contribute to turning around the franchise’s fortunes.
This trade signals the Jets’ commitment to restructuring their quarterback lineup while preparing for future drafts and roster adjustments. Smith’s leadership throughout the 2026 season could prove critical as the Jets pursue success in forthcoming NFL campaigns.
