The Jets have been the butt fumble of all jokes in the league for quite a while now. That’s in large part due to a lack of stability at signal caller. Years of misses in the draft and free agency have rippled into a team who’s name is synonymous with losing. You’d assume that club management would seek to avoid their past failures shy away from any reunion with former QBs. However, with an impending tank job imminent, they’re running it back.
Geno Smith’s Draft Slide
Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) warms up prior to the start of the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against the Syracuse Orange at Yankee Stadium. Syracuse defeated West Virginia 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
In attendance for first day of draft night, Geno Smith was expected to be taken in the first round. Analysts touted college football’s 2012 leader in passing touchdowns as a first round lock, and Smith had suitors. Unfortunately, none of those suiters gave him a call, and EJ Manuel was the lone QB selection on day one.
Jets’ Selection of Smith
Aug 3, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) drops back to pass during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
New York actually expressed interest to trade up for Smith. They used their first selection on the continually injured Dee Milliner, but the Jets still wanted to secure a potential QB of the future. Unfortunately, none of their potential trade partners were accepting their proposals, and they weren’t able to make the bold move. However, Smith did end up sliding all the way down to their selection at pick 39, and would make his way to Metlife.
The Starting Job
Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is tended to as he lies injured on the field after taking a hit from New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In week three of preseason, long-time Jets QB Mark Sanchez suffered a season-ending injury. It was a labral tear in his right shoulder, and would require surgery. Sanchez was New York’s guy, but he was already on the decline. In all likelyhood, this injury merely accelerated the outcome, as Geno Smith got the nod.
Jets Tenure
Dec 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Smith’s rookie year was underwhelming. He had some gritty performances, but ultimately he played how you’d expect a second round rookie to perform. He ended his campaign with a 1/2 TD to INT ratio, and barely eclipsed the 3,000 yard mark. In his sophomore campaign, it was a similar story. He mostly underwhelmed, and was subsequently benched in week 7 in favor of Michael Vick.
Departure from New York
November 1, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after being sacked by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52, not pictured) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
His tenure as a Jet ended afterwards, As Ryan Fitzpatrick won the starting job later, and he tore his ACL on the final year of his rookie deal. New York opted to let their former second round pick go, and Smith hit free agency. What followed next was a journeyman tenure. Smith bounced from roster to roster landing gigs as a backup. Given the fact that he’s always been semi-decent, he was a quality option as a benchwarmer. Eventually, he landed in Seattle, which ended up being the best thing that could have happened to him.
Rebound With Seattle
Sep 12, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts following a play against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The first two years of Smith’s Seattle tenure weren’t anything out of the ordinary. Since Russell Wilson consistently headlined as an MVP, barring an injury Smith would have to ride the bench. Things changed though after Wilson was sent off to Denver. After a long camp battle which would supposedly decide the captain of Seattle’s tank, Smith came out victorious, and seized the moment. That season, he recorded 4,282 yards and 30 TDs through the air, a league-leading 69.8 completion percentage, and was named the winner of the year’s Comeback Player of the Year award. He then signed an extension and maintained stability at signal-caller for the Hawks
Raiders Tenure
Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks towards the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
A change of offensive mindset for Seattle and requests for a pay raise from Smith created tension between the two parties. With bigger sights on their eyes, the Seahawks decided to capitalize on Smith’s trade value, and sent him off to rejoin Pete Carrol. What followed next was an unmitigated disaster, in which Las Vegas fielded one of the worst offensive lines and schemes in the NFL, dooming Smith from the start. That’s not to say that Smith himself didn’t show some rust, as he led the league in interceptions with 17, but the ecosystem surrounding him didn’t do him much favors.
Jets’ QB Problems
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks on the field after the Jets win over the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
While the rollercoaster that was Geno Smith’s career was going up and down, the Jets were stuck in QB purgatory. In that nine year span where Smith was away from the big apple, New York saw 17 . Ranging from draft busts, to ruining players with untapped potential and multiple failed free agency band-aid solutions, New York still has not found their franchise QB. This last season, they saw starts from Justin Fields, Brady Cook and Tyrod Taylor. None of them moved the needle, and equally contributed to the team’s tank. Justin Fields will likely be released, Taylor is getting older, and Cook has shown no starting upside. Thus, the need for Smith aligns with his situation.
The Trade
Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the first quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
New York will be sending a sixth round pick in exchange for Geno Smith and a seventh round selection. Since the initial plan was to release him anyways, the Raiders will still take up the bulk of his cap hit and pay him more money. Vegas will pay him $16.2 million, while he Jets will be giving him $3.3 million.
Most fans would be eager to shut down the idea of the Jets starting Smith. After all, it’s the Jets, they’re bound to disappoint. Regardless, Geno Smith has proven himself capable of leading a competent offense. The Jets have a young offensive line on the rise, and a great skill position group headlined by Garret Wilson. Can Smith solve their QB woes once and for all? No, but he can very well be one of the better signal-callers to don the white and green since his departure.
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