Jets Bring Back Geno Smith, Seen as Good Sign for Future

ESPN's Adam Schefter frames Smith's return as setting up the Jets for success in the 2027 NFL Draft

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:21pm

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The New York Jets have brought back former quarterback Geno Smith, a move that ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter sees as a positive sign for the team's future. Schefter noted that Smith's previous departures from teams have often left them in better shape, and his return to the Jets allows them to remain competitive in 2026 while positioning themselves to potentially land one of the top quarterback prospects in the loaded 2027 draft class.

Why it matters

The Jets have been searching for a long-term solution at quarterback, and Schefter believes Smith's arrival could help set the stage for them to find that franchise QB in the 2027 draft, which is expected to be exceptionally strong at the position.

The details

The Jets drafted Smith in the second round in 2013, and he had a roller coaster career with the team before departing. Schefter pointed out that after Smith left the Seahawks, they were able to acquire Sam Darnold, who led them to a Super Bowl title. Similarly, Smith's departure from the Raiders has them positioned to draft Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in 2026. Now back in New York, Schefter believes Smith can help keep the Jets competitive this season while they plan for the future.

  • The Jets drafted Geno Smith in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
  • Smith departed the Seahawks, leading them to acquire Sam Darnold.
  • Smith was traded from the Raiders to the Jets in March 2026.

The players

Geno Smith

A former second-round draft pick of the Jets who has had an up-and-down NFL career, but is now returning to New York as a veteran quarterback.

Adam Schefter

ESPN's NFL insider who framed Smith's return to the Jets as a positive sign for the team's future.

Sam Darnold

The quarterback the Seahawks were able to acquire after Smith departed, leading them to a Super Bowl title.

Fernando Mendoza

The top prospect the Raiders are positioned to draft in 2026 after Smith's departure from the team.

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What they’re saying

“Geno Smith is the reason that Sam Darnold is in Seattle today. Once he demanded a trade, the Seahawks pivoted and acquired Sam Darnold, who led them to a Super Bowl title. Geno Smith wound up in Vegas, through no fault of his own; they had the worst record in the league this year. They're going to get Fernando Mendoza. And now Geno Smith is going to be in New York, where they may have the chance to get one of the aforementioned quarterbacks in the draft class of 2027.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider (ESPN)

“Geno Smith has been a good quarterback. He's been a two-time Pro-Bowl quarterback, but he's also left teams better off when he's left than when he got there.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Jets will look to remain competitive in 2026 with Geno Smith at quarterback, while also positioning themselves to potentially land one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft, which is expected to be exceptionally strong at the position.

The takeaway

Geno Smith's return to the Jets, framed by ESPN's Adam Schefter as a positive development, sets the stage for the team to potentially find their long-term solution at quarterback in the 2027 draft, while also remaining competitive in the short term with Smith under center.