The New York Jets are in a position where they will have a new Week 1 starting quarterback for the third consecutive season. They have released Justin Fields and traded for Geno Smith this offseason, so there was going to be a new starting quarterback either way. Coach Aaron Glenn has made it known who he is planning on going with to begin the season, giving the team a chance to build some chemistry with the starter. Let’s take a closer look at his recent comments and who he has selected.
Aaron Glenn names Geno Smith as the New York Jets’ starting quarterback
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, New York Jets
Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
While speaking to Judy Battista of NFL Network, New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn made it known that the team is going to be going with Geno Smith as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
“Listen, he’s done it. I mean, those years in Seattle, when he was, I think, Comeback Player of the Year. Man, he was up for MVP early in the season. There’s no doubt in my mind that we brought a competent starter here to this team.”
The New York Jets currently have Smith, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe on the roster, so it should not come as too much of a surprise that Smith will get the starting job. The Jets traded for Smith earlier this month. He struggled last season with the Las Vegas Raiders as he completed 302 of 448 (67.4%) of his passes for 3,025 yards with 19 passing touchdowns to 17 interceptions. However, after finishing 32nd in passing last season, this would be a welcome addition. It will be intriguing to see how he looks in his second stint with the New York Jets next season.