Geno Smith's Redemption Story Continues with Jets

The veteran QB is back with the team that drafted him 13 years ago.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:04pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a quarterback making a pass downfield, with the players' faces and details dissolved into unrecognizable splatters of paint.Geno Smith's redemption story with the Jets continues as the veteran QB looks to lead the team to success.Denver Today

After years of ups and downs, including a broken jaw and time as a backup, Geno Smith has found redemption as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets. The 2013 second-round draft pick is now a two-time Pro Bowler looking to lead the Jets to success in 2026.

Why it matters

Smith's journey from promising young QB to backup and now starter again is an inspiring story of perseverance. His return to the Jets provides hope for a franchise that has struggled in recent years and gives Smith a chance to cement his legacy.

The details

Drafted by the Jets in 2013, Smith had an up-and-down start to his career, throwing 25 touchdowns against 34 interceptions in his first two seasons. He then missed the start of 2015 after getting his jaw broken in an altercation. Smith spent the next several years as a backup with the Giants, Chargers, and Seahawks before finally getting another starting opportunity in Seattle in 2022. Over the next three seasons, he tossed 71 touchdowns against 35 picks, earning two Pro Bowl selections.

  • The Jets selected Geno Smith in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
  • Smith missed the start of the 2015 season after getting his jaw broken in an altercation.
  • Smith spent 2017-2021 as a backup with the Giants, Chargers, and Seahawks.
  • Smith became the Seahawks' starting QB in 2022 and made the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023.
  • The Jets traded for Smith in 2026, reuniting him with the team that drafted him 13 years ago.

The players

Geno Smith

A veteran NFL quarterback who was drafted by the New York Jets in 2013 and is now returning to the team as their starting QB after a journey that included time as a backup with several other teams.

IK Enemkpali

A former NFL defensive end who was involved in the altercation that broke Geno Smith's jaw in 2015, sidelining him at the start of that season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

The quarterback who took over the starting job with the Jets in 2015 after Smith's injury, preventing Smith from regaining his starting role.

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What they’re saying

“They wrote me off, but I ain't write back though.”

— Geno Smith, Quarterback, New York Jets

What’s next

Smith will look to lead the Jets to success in the 2026 NFL season as their starting quarterback, hoping to finally fulfill the promise he showed when the team drafted him 13 years ago.

The takeaway

Geno Smith's journey from promising young QB to backup and now starter again with the Jets is an inspiring story of perseverance. His return to the team that drafted him provides hope for a struggling franchise and a chance for Smith to cement his legacy.