Geno Smith Has Something to Prove With Jets in 2026

Geno Smith has bounced between five NFL franchises over the course of his NFL career.

He’s been with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and, now, the New York Jets.

He’s back with the Jets, actually, following a stint with the team between 2013 and 2016. So, it’s been a wild career for Smith, and at this point, he has something to prove.

Smith is a solid quarterback, but he’s never been able to be the real difference-maker in a team. Will he do so with the Jets? That’s uncertain, but a lot of his success will depend on the offense, and that already has questions.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today doesn’t think Smith and the Jets will make for an entertaining watch in 2026. He ranks them at No. 31 for entertainment value next season.

More news: Pistons Projected to Get Cade Cunningham Relief With NBA Draft Pick

“Geno Smith proved untenable as the starter for what was easily the NFL’s worst offense last fall. Gang Green is now counting on the 35-year-old passer to hold things down for an attack that only fared marginally better on most fronts,” he says in the piece. “The Jets tried to take aim at several weak links throughout their roster with a free agency approach aimed at upping the roster’s overall respectability. But new play-caller Frank Reich hardly inspires much faith after his stewardship of the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers led to midseason firings.”

Geno Smith And The Jets Could Surprise The NFL

Smith and the Jets, though, could actually be quite entertaining to watch. Why? Because Smith has something to prove. What better way to prove it than with a team that needs a turnaround?

It would be pretty incredible to see Smith take the Jets to the postseason, after years of both his own performance floundering, as well as the Jets’ performance. New York is coming off a 3-14 season. They were at the bottom of the AFC East.

More news:Baker Mayfield and Buccaneers Get Shaded in NFL Ranking

If Smith somehow helps this team turn around under Aaron Glenn, that will make for huge viewership. So, I have to respectfully disagree with Middlehurst-Schwartz, because if things go well, even slightly so, people are going to want to pay attention to the Jets. But if things don’t go well, then I agree they’ll be at the bottom of viewership ratings.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 12:49 PM.