Jets Reportedly Eyeing Geno Smith as Potential QB Bridge Option

The former Jets QB could be brought back to New York as a short-term solution under center.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New York Jets are reportedly considering signing veteran quarterback Geno Smith as a potential bridge option for the 2026 season. Smith, who previously played for the Jets from 2013-2016, is expected to be one of several low-cost free agent quarterbacks the team looks at to provide stability at the position after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Why it matters

The Jets have struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback for years, and bringing back Smith would be a risky move that could further frustrate the team's fanbase. While Smith has starting experience, his previous tenure with the Jets was marked by inconsistent play and injuries, leading many to question whether he can be a reliable option to lead the team in 2026.

The details

According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, the Jets are expected to target a group of veteran quarterbacks who were recently released by other teams and are available at a relatively low cost. In addition to Smith, Rosenblatt named Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa as potential options the Jets could pursue. Of the three, Smith is reportedly the early favorite to land in New York.

  • Geno Smith played for the Jets from 2013-2016.
  • Smith most recently played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.

The players

Geno Smith

A veteran quarterback who previously played for the Jets from 2013-2016 and most recently spent the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Aaron Glenn

The current head coach of the New York Jets, who is tasked with turning the team around after a disappointing 2025 season.

Darren Mougey

The current offensive coordinator of the New York Jets, who is working alongside head coach Aaron Glenn to improve the team's offense.

Kyler Murray

A veteran quarterback who is expected to be released by his current team and could be a low-cost free agent option for the Jets.

Tua Tagovailoa

A veteran quarterback who is expected to be released by his current team and could be a low-cost free agent option for the Jets.

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What they’re saying

“The Jets will be in on the group of quarterbacks who were cut by other teams and have significant money left on their contracts, which makes them much cheaper to sign (as in, they'll likely be signed for the minimum salary, $1.3 million). That includes Kyler Murray, Geno Smith and, if/when he's cut, Tua Tagovailoa. Smith feels like the early favorite.”

— Zack Rosenblatt, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Jets will continue to evaluate their quarterback options in the coming weeks and months, with Geno Smith emerging as an early frontrunner to potentially join the team as a short-term solution under center.

The takeaway

The Jets' reported interest in Geno Smith as a potential bridge quarterback highlights the team's ongoing struggles to find a long-term answer at the position. While Smith has starting experience, his previous tenure with the Jets was marked by inconsistency, and bringing him back could further frustrate the team's fanbase. The Jets will need to carefully weigh their options and determine if Smith or another low-cost veteran is the best path forward as they look to improve upon a disappointing 2025 season.