After months of speculation, the New York Jets have finally landed on their starting quarterback for next season. Geno Smith, New York's 2013 second-round pick, is coming home for his second stint with the Jets.
The homecoming aspect is certainly going to pluck at Jets fans' heartstrings the most. It's been a long road for Smith since he and the Jets first parted ways, but now he's back, and hoping to make it clear that his NFL career isn't over just yet.
After all, this may be his last chance to prove he has what it takes to be a starting quarterback, and the last chance for Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey to prove they're the ones who can turn the Jets around.
Geno Smith excited for 'full circle moment' with Jets
In an interview with NFL insider Josina Anderson, Smith opened up on his return to New York and what drew him back to the Jets for his 13th season in the NFL.
"I'm so excited. It's a full circle moment for me. I can remember my last TD was to Quincy Enunwa right there at MetLife Stadium, the day I tore my ACL. That began my journey and it all led me back here where I started ... coach Glenn and I have been on the phone, he has a real plan. I believe in what they're doing over there. Just to be a part of that is going to be special."
Geno Smith
Jets fans should remember Smith's early days as a Jet. He was thrust into action in his rookie season thanks to a head-scratching decision to leave Mark Sanchez on the field late in a meaningless preseason game, where he ended up hurting his shoulder.
He'd go on to have an up-and-down rookie season, but would have incredible moments too, like leading the Jets on a game-winning drive on Monday Night Football over the Atlanta Falcons.
Of course, there's also the memory of Smith getting his jaw broken by IK Enemkpali, losing the starting job to Ryan Fitzpatrick. The West Virginia product tried his best to earn it back, but tore his ACL when given the chance in 2016.
After bouncing around the league as a backup and runs as a starter with the Seattle Seahawks and Raiders, Smith is back in the saddle in New York and is excited to be playing for a team "that's going to believe" in him.
He told Anderson that the Raiders gave him the option of staying on in a mentor role, but Smith still believes he has a lot left to give, and a phone call with Aaron Glenn convinced him that the Jets were the best landing spot.
It's an emotional reunion for the Jets and Smith, and all parties are hoping it leads to success in 2026.