Geno Smith is set to make a surprising return to the New York Jets, as the Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to trade the quarterback and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick for a 2026 seventh-rounder. This move marks a significant homecoming for Smith, who started his NFL journey with the Jets as a second-round pick in the 2013 draft. After four seasons, the team moved on, but now Smith is back where it all began.
Reflecting on his return during a conversation with NFL insider Josina Anderson on "The Exhibit Show," Smith described it as a "full-circle" moment. He recalled his last touchdown pass to Quincy Enunwa at MetLife Stadium, the same game where his journey took a turn after tearing his ACL against the Ravens. That moment set him on a path that has now brought him back to the Jets.
Smith's initial stint with the Jets was a rollercoaster, posting a 12-18 record over 30 starts. Perhaps the most infamous incident from those years was a locker room altercation with then-teammate IK Enemkpali in 2015.
Since then, the Jets have undergone several regime changes, and Enemkpali is no longer in the league. Despite the ups and downs, Smith embraced the chance to return to New York this offseason.
The 35-year-old quarterback had some say in his destination and chose to go back to the Jets. For the Jets, Smith represents a potential high-reward option at quarterback. With the longest active postseason drought across major American sports leagues, the Jets have little to lose by taking a chance on Smith, especially with other quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Tua Tagovailoa unavailable.
Smith hopes this new chapter with the Jets will have a storybook ending. "It's kind of like a movie," he remarked about his return, capturing the drama and hope surrounding his unexpected comeback.