Geno Smith is set to make a surprising return as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2026 season. Yes, you read that right-Geno Smith, who the Jets originally drafted in the second round back in 2013, is back in the Big Apple after a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Let’s break down how this trade shakes out for both teams.
The Jets acquired Smith along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026. It's a low-risk move for New York to secure a one-year starter.
Smith joined the Raiders from the Seattle Seahawks, brought in by Pete Carroll to bring some stability to the team. While that plan didn’t pan out, Smith did play a part in the Raiders securing the first overall draft pick, which they used on Fernando Mendoza.
Now, was this trade a savvy move for the Jets? Or did the Raiders jump the gun by letting Smith go?
Nostalgia seems to be trending everywhere, and perhaps that’s what Jets' GM Darren Mougey was tapping into by bringing Smith back. However, Smith’s initial stint with the Jets resulted in a 12-18 record, so the memories aren’t exactly golden.
Are the Jets aiming for success this season? It doesn’t seem so.
This is the same front office that traded away stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for future picks. Smith isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback, so why even make this trade, minor as it may be?
Last season, Smith had a lower PFF grade than Jets’ former starter Justin Fields. Yet, the Jets are opting for the 35-year-old Smith over the younger Fields, who was under contract for $20 million. Cutting Fields will hit the Jets with a $22 million cap charge, according to Spotrac.
The silver lining for Jets fans? Smith helped the Raiders land the top draft pick.
But can Aaron Glenn and Woody Johnson be trusted with a top-tier quarterback prospect? And maybe, just maybe, Smith can avoid any locker room drama this time around.
The Jets have faced disappointment before, like when a Manning famously turned them down to stay in college. Even if they secure the top pick, there’s chatter that Arch Manning, Peyton’s nephew, might do the same.
And if the Texas Longhorn isn’t the top choice, whoever is might be advised to stay in school rather than join the Jets. If Smith manages a 1-16 season, it might not solve much.
For the Raiders, last year’s attempt to make the playoffs with Carroll and Smith fizzled out. Now, with Tom Brady clearing the path for Fernando Mendoza’s arrival in Las Vegas, they’re ready for a fresh start.
While they didn’t get much for Smith and are paying part of his salary to play for the Jets, they’re confident they can find a better backup. They might look at veterans like Tyrod Taylor, Carson Wentz, or Jake Browning to support Mendoza.
In grading this trade, the Raiders get a C. They’re covering some of Smith’s salary and didn’t gain much in return. The Smith era might have been a bust, but if Mendoza becomes the next great Raiders quarterback, it could all be worth it in the end.