Geno Smith returns to his original draft team after the Las Vegas Raiders traded him back to the New York Jets following nine years apart. The two-time Pro Bowler is essentially on a one-year, $3.3 million contract after Las Vegas agreed to eat $16.2 million of his $18.5 million salary while New York gave him a $1 million raise. Smith joins an inexperienced quarterback room featuring Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe. However, the Jets could add more talent in free agency or during the mid-rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially creating competition for the starting job.
Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders: Do a Massive Favor To Facilitate Trade of 2x- Pro Bowler
The New York Jets have already named the starting QB for Week 1
NFL free agency, Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, Carson Wentz
Jets’ Geno Smith during a 2016 game. Jackson Jaguars Vs New York Jets First Preseason Game
During a Sunday appearance on NFL Network, Aaron Glenn already named Geno Smith the Jets’ starting quarterback, as Judy Battista reported. Many fans are puzzled by the team not holding a quarterback competition this offseason and by Geno, who went 2-13 and threw a league-high 17 interceptions last season, being handed the job rather than rightfully earning it in training camp. Fans think Smith being named the starter means one thing: tanking for the first pick of the 2027 NFL Draft and taking Arch Manning, the projected top pick.
Jets Coach Aaron Glenn, in a conversation with @nflnetwork this morning, says definitively that Geno Smith is their starting quarterback.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) March 29, 2026
Fans react to the latest QB development
New York Jets, Fans
New York Jets fans cheer after a touchdown is scored during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
They want that #1 pick pic.twitter.com/1KSFVrERiA
— Return to Glory (@dfrostraider) March 29, 2026
Arch Manning, you are now yet those chances are they’ll have the number one pick next year
— clinton foster (@clinton8824) March 29, 2026
“Poor Jets fans. Geno is a**.”
So Geno will be benched by week 3
— john (@johhnncee) March 29, 2026
Imagine redefining your entire career, only to end up back on the Jets
— Matt Vish (@TheMattVish) March 29, 2026
Congratulations on your tank commander Jets
— Buffalo Sheriff KT🇺🇸 (@KT_199923) March 29, 2026
Operation tank is on!! 2027 first overall pick goes to the NY Jets!! pic.twitter.com/AF4DcW1gKO
— Vice (@sportsnweb3) March 29, 2026
‘
Arch might be a jet fr
— ritchiesfilms (@YUNGRITCHIE) March 29, 2026
1-16
— 𝙈𝙆 (@A11R1se) March 29, 2026
Makes sense given the roster…
— NDC 🐝🪷 (@roscoe_p_ny) March 29, 2026
Oh man Glenn is gettin fired but at least the Jets are getting the first pick 😂
— DarthRaider2490 (@DarthRaider2490) March 29, 2026