Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
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(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
TheLas Vegas Raiders said goodbye to Geno Smith after one season, sending the veteran QB to the New York Jets. Smith is returning to the Jets for a second stint following a disastrous 2025 NFL season with the Silver and Black.
Smith had a passer rating of 84.7 with 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 15 games in 2025 for the Raiders,per StatMuse. Despite these numbers, New York sees him as a valuable stopgap signal-caller.
Nonetheless, on March 10,ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, citing sources, that the Jets are sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-rounder.
With Smith back in New York, NFL Network’s Shelby Harris had a blunt message regarding the trade.
“I was with Geno Smith, not just with Seattle, but I was also with them in New York,” Harris said on the March 11 edition of “Good Morning Football.” “I was with them with the Jets in the second year as a starter [and] I say the difference between Geno in New York and Geno in Seattle is that you have a much more mature, experienced Geno Smith who is ready for the big time in New York. This is a slam dunk. The man is back. He’s back in New York.
“I think it’s going to be a huge deal for them because, with the talent they have and the talent they’ll be able to add by getting Geno Smith for a little bit cheaper, I believe they’re going to go out there and get another receiving threat. They have the dynamic Breece Hall back there. I really don’t know what else they really need to do.”
Geno Smith Predicted to Bounce-Back After Trade to Jets
Selected in the second round of the 2013 draft by the Jets, Smith started 29 games over the first two seasons and threw 34 interceptions. However, Harris believes that Smith can have a bounce-back season in New York and parlay that into a contract extension with the Jets.
“Geno Smith has an opportunity to really set himself up and get an extension in New York,” Harris added. “If he goes out there and goes back to Seattle days and gives them a 30-touchdown, 11-interception season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Geno is there for years to come.
“This is a great, great trade. I’m excited for them. This has changed their complete trajectory. This is not the same Jets team that we expected before the trade.”
More Trade Details Emerge Between Raiders and Jets
ESPN also reported, citing sources, that the Raiders, who were initially responsible for $18.5 million, will now pay $16.2 million. The Jets will cover the remaining amount and add a $1 million raise, bringing the total difference to $3.3 million. In the end, Smith will earn $19.5 million.
“Complete full circle moment back to where it all began,” Smith told NFL Network in a text (h/tESPN). “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.”