The Jets brought Geno Smith back with a clear goal in mind for 2026, and Smith wasted no time setting the bar high by saying he wanted to lead Gang Green to a Super Bowl title. Frank Reich, though, sounds like he believes Smith can do plenty more than just steer the ship next year.
On Friday, the first-year Jets offensive coordinator offered a striking assessment of the veteran quarterback’s physical condition. “It feels like he’s 28,” Reich said, per Ben Krimmel of SNY.
“He is in his prime physically. His arm, the way he moves, his feet in the pocket.
He’s physically in his prime.”
That’s a strong vote of confidence for a 35-year-old quarterback who is coming off a rough season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith did show at times that he can still operate at a high level, but the numbers tell the story of a player who gave the ball away too often.
He finished with 18 turnovers in 15 games, the second-most in the NFL. Only Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks had more, with a league-worst 20 giveaways over 17 games.
There had also been some outside concern that an off-field issue could hang over Smith during training camp, though it was never expected to keep him out when September arrived. Reich said that hasn’t shown up in the building.
“Geno’s a leader,” Reich added. “He’s the leader of the offense.
Make no mistake about it in every way, shape, and form. What has become crystal clear to me in this early time in training camp, the attribute that sticks out to me is his laser focus.
This man is laser-focused, like people don’t understand. He comes to work.
He comes to work, and he is locked in. And I feel like the whole offense plays off of that.
That’s a really big deal.”
Reich also sounded encouraged by rookie Cade Klubnik, the Jets’ fourth-round pick, who could eventually get a chance if Smith starts losing more than he wins this season. Reich said, “I really like how he's come back mentally, and I feel like he’s taken a good step mentally,” and added, “It’s a lot now.
I think we’re at the point where everything is pretty much in. He shows the aptitude to pick it all up.
The aptitude for big plays. Just continue to weather the storm, and there will be some storms.
You’re a rookie quarterback. You’re gonna take your lumps.
But I’m happy with the whole quarterback room.”
For now, the Jets are betting on Smith to be the guy. How he handles the real games will go a long way toward determining whether Reich and head coach Aaron Glenn are still feeling good about that quarterback room once December rolls around.
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