Geno Smith is once again a New York Jet after the team traded for him on Tuesday.
The Jets are sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-rounder. Sources confirmed that Smith was at the Jets’ facility and passed a physical.
Smith’s Return to New York
Smith described his return to the Jets as a “complete full circle moment back to where it all began”. He stated he is excited to connect with his new teammates and coaches. He also looks forward to building a new relationship with the fan base and community.
Smith will be the Jets’ starting quarterback. He previously held the job from 2013 to the 2015 preseason.
His time as the starter ended when he was punched by a teammate in a locker room dispute, resulting in a fractured jaw.
Contract Details of the Trade
Smith renegotiated his contract to make the trade happen. The Raiders will pay him $16.2 million. The Jets will pay the difference, plus a $1 million raise, bringing Smith’s total earnings to $19.5 million.
Before the restructure, the deal had two years and $66 million remaining on it, including $18.5 million guaranteed.
Had the Jets waited for Smith to be released, they could have signed him for $1.3 million. However, they would have faced competition for his signature, with the Minnesota Vikings showing interest.
Jets’ Quarterback Plans
The Jets are likely to move on from Justin Fields. Fields started nine games last season before being benched.
Besides Fields, the Jets have Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe under contract. They are expected to add a veteran backup, perhaps Carson Wentz.
The Jets could see Smith as a bridge to the 2027 draft. They could draft a quarterback next month, perhaps with the 16th, 33rd or 44th choice.
Smith’s Recent Performance
Smith is coming off one of his worst seasons. He was 27th out of 28 qualified passers in Total QBR (34.1). He also leads the league in interceptions (32) over his past two seasons.
The Jets hope he can recapture his 2022 and 2023 form. During that period, he threw 50 touchdown passes for the Seattle Seahawks.
Smith started 29 games in his first two seasons with the Jets, recording 34 interceptions.
Background to Smith’s Departure
The Jets’ second-round pick in 2013, Smith was poised to be the Week 1 starter in 2015. He wound up missing several weeks after being punched by backup linebacker IK Enemkpali in a dispute over $600.
Now, Smith is back with the Jets, looking to make an impact.