The New York Jets are coming off a season in which they went 3-14, marking head coach Aaron Glenn’s first year at the helm.
Entering Year 2, it’s hard to predict exactly what this Jets team may look like under Glenn, but veteran quarterback Geno Smith will lead the offense after the team acquired him this offseason.
The Jets drafted Smith out of West Virginia in 2013, and he spent four seasons with the organization.
Now, he returns with hopes of not only finding his footing again after a down year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 but also getting the Jets back on track. New York has not reached the postseason since 2011.
Smith Sends Strong Message About Jets
During a SiriusXM NFL Radio interview this week, Smith spoke about the current Jets team and made a strong statement about how he believes they’ll fare.
“It’s been awesome. It’s been great. Getting acclimated to the team. Getting used to playing alongside these guys, and we got a tremendous team. A lot of young talent, and we’re being led by a great group of coaches, so I really expect big things for this team.”
“I really expect big things for this team.”@NYJets QB Geno Smith discussed being back in New York and preparing for his 14th NFL season.
📻 https://t.co/1S6vayaSYT#Jets | #JetUp pic.twitter.com/mAeLft0AUE
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 21, 2026
Smith’s NFL Career
Smith has had one of the more interesting careers among starting quarterbacks entering this season, with plenty of highs and lows along the way.
His first stint with New York did not go as planned by any stretch, which led to his departure and eventual backup roles with the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and ultimately the Seattle Seahawks, where he received a true second chance.
He made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2022 and 2023, and after the 2024 season, he landed the starting job with the Raiders. He threw 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions across 15 starts last year.
Over the course of his NFL career, Smith has a 42-56 record in 98 starts and boasts a 68.5% completion rate with 22,168 passing yards, 124 touchdowns, and 89 interceptions. He has only ever started one playoff game.
Jets’ 2026 Outlook
While Smith will be the engine that drives this team offensively, with wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall serving as his top two weapons, the Jets’ defense could be what keeps them competitive in a lot of games.
They have a mix of youth and veteran experience, with the additions of Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeMario Davis. With Glenn already established as a defensive-minded coach, that unit could ultimately become the team’s anchor if they’re going to have a successful season in a tough AFC East that features clear favorites in the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.
Geno Smith Makes Strong Statement About New York Jets Before NFL Season