Jets Coach Confirms Geno Smith as Starting Quarterback

PHOENIX — On Sunday, Jets coach Aaron Glenn addressed any uncertainty surrounding Geno Smith’s position as the team’s starting quarterback.

“There’s no question, he’s our player,” Glenn stated during an appearance at the NFL Owners Conference.

This announcement isn’t surprising. Smith has been viewed as the likely starter for the Jets since the team traded for him with the Raiders on March 10. However, this was the first time Jet officials have openly commented on Smith since the trade.

As it stands, the Jets are anticipated to bring in at least one more quarterback, maybe even two. Currently, their roster features only Smith, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe. The team aims to secure a veteran backup for Smith and could also consider drafting another quarterback.

The Jets chose Smith from a pool of less-than-promising quarterback candidates. Following just one year, they had traded Justin Fields to the Chiefs on March 16.

Glenn shared his optimism regarding what Smith can achieve during this second chance with the Jets. “I see a true starter coming in to lead this offense where it needs to be,” he remarked. “He’s performed well these past few years. I think he was the Comeback Player of the Year for a stretch in Seattle.”

He added, “He’s even been an MVP contender since the start of the season. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that we’ve got a capable starter on board. I’m eager to see him in the building.”

However, Smith’s arrival hasn’t been embraced by all Jets fans, some of whom recall his initial stint with the team. Drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft, Smith started for most of his first two seasons but lost his position in 2015 after suffering a jaw injury in a fight with a teammate.

After several years as a backup, Smith rejuvenated his career with the Seahawks, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023. Despite impressive performances, including 50 touchdown passes over two seasons, his play declined last year, where he led the NFL with 17 interceptions playing for the Raiders.

Now at 35, Smith has voiced enthusiasm about returning to the Jets, the franchise that originally drafted him. “Honestly, I don’t think anyone could have imagined that, but that’s the beauty of life itself,” he reflected after the trade.

The Jets traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Raiders in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick. The Raiders are covering $16.2 million of Smith’s salary, while the Jets will pay him just $3.3 million—a considerable bargain for a starting quarterback.