Just before the recent trade, Geno Smith had signed a two-year contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his performance during the 2025 season was less than stellar, with the team finishing with a record of 3-14. Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions and was sacked 55 times, the most in the NFL that season.
On the heels of this disappointing season, the Raiders decided to trade Smith back to the New York Jets, the team that originally drafted him in 2013. The Jets traded a sixth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for Smith and a seventh-round pick, marking a significant move for both franchises.
Smith expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I believe that I still have room to grow. I believe that I still have a ton of years left on my body to play this game.” His return to the Jets comes after a decade away, during which he has gained valuable experience and insight into the game.
Todd Bowles, the Jets’ head coach, has shown confidence in Smith’s potential to succeed, noting, “You’ve seen quite a few guys – (Daniel) Jones made a resurgence. So Geno’s played enough football, maybe he’s at the right place at the right time.” This sentiment reflects the hope that Smith can revitalize his career in familiar territory.
Smith’s current contract with the Jets is just over $3 million, with the Raiders covering most of his salary. This financial arrangement allows the Jets to invest in Smith while maintaining flexibility in their salary cap.
Looking ahead, the Raiders are projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, indicating a shift in their strategy following Smith’s departure. Additionally, the Raiders have signed Kirk Cousins to provide veteran depth at quarterback.
As Smith embarks on this new chapter, he reflects on his journey, stating, “I really feel like just everything that I’ve endured throughout the course of my career… has really shaped me, and it’s helped me grow mentally, emotionally, physically as well as cerebrally as a quarterback.”
His return to the Jets is not just a personal milestone but also a chance to fulfill the long-standing hopes of the fan base. “I think that’s what we all play for as competitors, and I know our fan base has been longing for that. If I can be the guy to get that done, that’s what I want to do,” Smith added.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Geno Smith to see if he can leverage his past experiences and newfound confidence to lead the Jets to success.