Geno Smith's return to the New York Jets will drastically change the offense, but additional changes could be made as the Las Vegas Raiders will pay most of his salary
15:35 ET, 10 Mar 2026Updated 15:35 ET, 10 Mar 2026
Geno Smith has been traded to the New York Jets after one season with the Las Vegas Raiders
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Geno Smith has been traded to the New York Jets after one season with the Las Vegas Raiders(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
The New York Jets have brought quarterback Geno Smith back to the organization after agreeing to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, in a major offensive change ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
The Raiders signed Smith to a two-year, $75 million extension in 2025, but the gamble backfired for the organization and new minority owner Tom Brady. The Jets have now agreed to trade picks with the Raiders for Smith, who was set to be released anyway.
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Las Vegas is sending a 2026 seventh-round pick and Smith to the Jets, who will send a 2026 sixth-round pick in return. Smith is due a base salary of $26.5 million, $18.5 million guaranteed, but the Jets won't be responsible for paying that. It's the latest major quarterback move since Tua Tagovailoa left the Miami Dolphins for a new destination.
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Before the trade was agreed, Smith agreed to restructure his contract. The Raiders will still pay the majority of his 2026 salary, leaving the Jets with the remainder, which is just over the $1.3 million NFL veteran minimum.
Smith began his career with the Jets after being selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The 35-year-old is back in New York, where it all began, and was at the Jets' facility when the trade was announced.
The veteran quarterback was undergoing a physical in New Jersey, and Smith is delighted to be returning to the Jets. "Complete full circle moment back to where it all began," Smith wrote in a text.
Smith was drafted by the Jets in 2013
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Smith was drafted by the Jets in 2013
"I’m excited to connect with my new teammates and coaches and everyone in the building as well as build a new relationship with the fan base and community."
Smith will replace Justin Fields at quarterback, and the Jets still have star running back Breece Hall for next season. The non-exclusive franchise tag was placed on Hall earlier this month, guaranteeing him $14.293 million.
Garrett Wilson remains the star wide receiver after the Ohio State alum agreed to a blockbuster four-year, $130 million contract extension in July 2025. Elsewhere on offense, the Jets have Josh Reynolds and John Metchie III as wide receiver options.
Garrett Wilson signed a huge four-year extension last summer
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Garrett Wilson signed a huge four-year extension last summer(Image: Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Mason Taylor is the lead tight end on the roster, but additional changes could be made before the start of next season. According to Spotrac, the Jets still have $77 million in cap space, the fourth-highest available allowance in the league.
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Only the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers have more financial freedom. The Jets could add more offensive weapons before next season.
The Jets are undergoing a rebuild after trading away stars such as Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, and Jermaine Johnson. The Jets have acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins and have agreed to pay him $40 million over three years.
The 2026 NFL Draft is also fast approaching, and the Jets will have 10 picks. Acquiring a new wide receiver is a priority.