Could a Geno Smith Reunion Be the Jets’ Best Option After Dante Moore’s Decision?
The New York Jets were already facing a pivotal offseason, but the quarterback picture just got murkier. Oregon’s Dante Moore-one of the more intriguing names in the 2026 draft class-has opted to return to school, taking a potential franchise QB off the board. That’s a tough blow for a team still looking to stabilize the position after the Justin Fields experiment fell flat.
With Moore staying in college and the 2026 quarterback class thinning out, the Jets may need to pivot. And fast.
The Veteran Bridge Option Is Back on the Table
One approach that’s gaining traction inside league circles: bring in a veteran quarterback who can hold down the fort for a season while the Jets eye the deeper 2027 draft class. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical-especially if the front office believes the long-term answer isn’t out there right now.
That brings us to a familiar name: Geno Smith.
Yes, that Geno Smith.
The veteran QB is coming off a rough year with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he led the league in interceptions (17), won just two games, and took more than his fair share of sacks. On paper, it wasn’t pretty. But context matters-and in Geno’s case, it matters a lot.
Geno’s 2025 Season: A Cautionary Tale or a Setup for Redemption?
Smith’s struggles last season weren’t entirely self-inflicted. He was working under Chip Kelly, whose return to the NFL as an offensive coordinator didn’t exactly inspire confidence. The offense lacked rhythm, the line was porous, and after the team traded away Jakobi Meyers, the wide receiver room was one of the weakest in the league.
It’s not hard to imagine how that combination could derail even a seasoned quarterback.
Now, with the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick and a shot at Indiana standout Fernando Mendoza, there’s a legitimate chance they move on from Smith. If that happens, the Jets could be in position to bring the veteran back for a second stint in New York-this time under very different circumstances.
Why a Reunion Makes Sense for the Jets
Let’s be clear: Smith isn’t the long-term answer. But in a market thin on viable starters, he might be the most competent bridge option available.
Kyler Murray could be a splashier acquisition, but he’d come with a hefty price tag and no guarantee of availability. The other names floating around-Mac Jones, Jameis Winston, Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota-either require a trade or come with question marks of their own. None of them offer a clear upgrade over Smith.
What Geno does bring is experience, familiarity with New York, and the kind of arm talent that can still stretch the field when given time. And that’s where the Jets’ improved offensive line could make a real difference.
This isn’t the same unit Smith played behind during his early years in green and white. With better protection and a more cohesive offensive scheme under coordinator Tanner Engstrand, there’s reason to believe Smith could find some of that Seattle-era form again.
The Bottom Line
The Jets don’t need a savior right now-they need stability. They need someone who can manage the offense, make the throws that are there, and keep the team competitive while the front office positions itself for a longer-term solution in 2027.
Geno Smith, for all his ups and downs, might just be that guy.
And in a quarterback market that’s looking increasingly bleak, that might be good enough.