The New York Jets are making waves in NFL free agency, pulling off some bold moves to reshape their roster. The latest headline-grabber?
Acquiring quarterback Geno Smith from the Raiders, signaling a fresh start under center for the 2026 season. Smith's return to New York is a full-circle moment, as he started his NFL journey with the Jets back in 2013.
Former Raiders head coach Pete Carroll had high praise for Smith, despite a challenging stint in Las Vegas. Carroll noted, "He's a phenomenal quarterback, he really is.
He had a fantastic offseason and preseason with us, and he comes out in the first game, has a great first game. It was all fitting."
Smith's 2025 season with the Raiders was a rollercoaster, tallying 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. It was a far cry from his career resurgence in Seattle, but Carroll took ownership of the struggles.
"We should've had him better prepared for the things that happened, and that wouldn't have happened," Carroll admitted. "I take a lot of responsibility in that."
Returning to the Jets offers Smith a chance to rewrite his story. With a revamped defense and new leadership, the Jets are setting the stage for what they hope will be a successful chapter in Smith's career. As he heads back to familiar territory, there's hope that he can capture the magic he once found in Seattle and bring it to New York.