The New York Jets have been making some intriguing moves throughout the 2026 offseason, and now have found their quarterback going forward. After one season with Justin Fields under center, it was apparent the team was ready to have a new quarterback. Why not bring in someone familiar with the bright lights of New York? Let’s take a closer look at the trade and what it means for the Jets and Geno Smith going forward.
The New York Jets trade for Geno Smith
Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, New York Jets
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
It will be a bit of a homecoming for Geno Smith as he is being traded back to the team that originally drafted him. The New York Jets are acquiring former Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. This trade was essentially a salary dump as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting the Raiders are paying the bulk of Smith’s contract, as the Jets are paying a little over the league minimum for him.
Smith is under contract through the 2027 season as his two-year, $75 million extension is set to kick in this year. He struggled with turnovers last season as he completed 302 of 448 (67.4%) of his passes for 3,025 yards with 19 passing touchdowns to 17 interceptions. The Raiders essentially get a sixth-round pick instead of releasing him.
Las Vegas is officially looking towards the future with the first-overall pick as they are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza. For the New York Jets, this is a chance to continue improving the roster as they look towards the veteran quarterback to bring the team to the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.