Jets Trade for Geno Smith, Reuniting QB With His Original Team
Why the Jets Didn’t Wait
Had the Jets held off until Wednesday at 4 p.m., Smith would have been released and available for just $1.3 million — the veterans minimum. But waiting meant risk. The Minnesota Vikings were known to have interest, and New York wasn’t willing to let Smith walk into a bidding war. Instead, they moved first, trading a sixth-round pick to lock up their man a day early.
How the Contract Was Restructured
$18.5 million
$16.2 million
$3.3 million
$19.5 million
To make the trade work, Smith renegotiated his existing deal. The original contract had two years and $66 million remaining, including $18.5 million guaranteed. The restructure split the financial burden between both franchises while giving Smith a $1 million raise on top.
Geno Smith and the Jets: A Complicated History
Smith was a second-round pick by the Jets in 2013 and served as their starter for parts of three seasons. He won 12 games as a starter with the franchise — still tied for third most among Jets quarterbacks since his rookie year. His time in New York ended abruptly in 2015 when a locker room altercation with backup linebacker IK Enemkpali resulted in a fractured jaw, costing him the starting job before the season even began.
“Complete full circle moment back to where it all began,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m excited to connect with my new teammates and coaches and build a new relationship with the fan base and community.”
With Smith sidelined in 2015, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick stepped in and delivered the Jets’ most recent winning season — a 10-6 record with a franchise-record 31 touchdown passes. Smith backed up Fitzpatrick in 2015 and 2016, then spent four more seasons as a reserve with the Giants, Chargers and Seahawks before breaking out as Seattle’s starter in 2022.
The Risk Behind the Decision
Smith’s best football came in 2022 and 2023 with the Seahawks, when he threw 50 combined touchdowns and earned two Pro Bowl selections. But his recent form gives reason for pause. Last season he ranked 27th out of 28 qualified passers in Total QBR and has thrown 32 interceptions over the past two years combined.
Geno Smith: Peak vs. Recent Form
2022 season: 30 touchdowns, 4,282 passing yards, led Seahawks to the playoffs. Made the Pro Bowl under Pete Carroll.
2023 season: Second Pro Bowl appearance, solid but slightly down from his career year.
2024–2025: Ranked 27th in QBR, 32 interceptions over two seasons, benched at times in Las Vegas.
What This Means for the Jets’ Quarterback Room
With Smith installed as the starter, the Jets are expected to move on from Justin Fields, who started nine games last season before being benched. Fields has one year and $20 million remaining on his contract. Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe remain under contract as depth options, and the team is expected to add a veteran backup — with Carson Wentz among the names being discussed.
The Jets may view Smith as a one-to-two year bridge option. The 2027 draft class is expected to be loaded with elite quarterback prospects, and New York could still use their 16th, 33rd or 44th pick in April’s draft on a signal-caller to develop behind Smith.
Sources: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48164552/sources-jets-get-their-qb-trade-raiders-geno-smith
