Jets Secure QB Geno Smith in Blockbuster Trade with Raiders: Sources

The New York Jets have made a significant move by trading for quarterback Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders. This trade involves a swap of sixth and seventh-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Geno Smith’s NFL Journey

Geno Smith, now 35 years old, began his NFL career with the Jets in 2013 as a second-round draft pick. He quickly became the starting quarterback after an injury to Mark Sanchez. In his rookie season, Smith started all 16 games, guiding the Jets to an 8-8 record.

Early Struggles and Career Changes

Despite a strong start, Smith faced challenges in subsequent seasons. His second year saw him record a dismal 3-10 record over 13 starts. Over his next two seasons, he only started one additional game for the Jets.

From 2015 to 2021, Smith worked as a backup for various teams. He returned to the Jets for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, played for the New York Giants in 2017, and spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. In Seattle, Smith spent three years as a backup before becoming a starter in 2022, where he achieved a career-best season.

Performance with the Raiders

In 2023, Smith joined the Raiders, but his performance was disappointing. He started 15 games, resulting in a 2-13 record. His 17 interceptions marked a troubling statistic, the highest since his rookie year. He also posted 3,025 passing yards, considerably below his career average.

Raiders’ Future Plans

The poor season contributed to the Raiders finishing with a 3-14 overall record. They now hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are expected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza from the University of Indiana.

Career Statistics Overview

As Smith transitions back to the Jets, his history with the team and experience could offer him a new beginning. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this former starter will impact the roster moving forward.