Geno Smith spoke about being the New York Jets' starting QB again.
Geno Smith began his NFL career with the New York Jets in 2013. The West Virginia product appeared in 33 games with the franchise and went 12-18 as a starter. The QB threw more interceptions (36) than touchdowns (28) and was heavily booed by Jets fans at the end of his tenure.
After stints with the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders, Smith is back with the Jets and he's grateful for a second chance with the franchise.
“First of all, it’s an honor to be back here and have the opportunity to be a part of this organization again, to lead this team, this young, talented group of guys who work extremely hard,” Smith said. "I find myself just looking forward to each and every day, coming to work and giving my all for these guys. It’s really special."
Some Jets fans aren't excited to watch Smith play this season. Smith led the NFL in interceptions last season with the Raiders and his first stint with the Jets was a nightmare.
However, Jets WR Garrett Wilson and new OC Frank Reich are looking forward to seeing how Smith performs in 2026.
"He's so cerebral," Wilson said. "The first day when he had us tell the cadences he went through it and I was like 'Bro did you bring that with you from [Las Vegas] and Seattle?' He was like 'No. That's coach Reich's stuff; I just learned it last night.'"
Smith enters this season with 22,168 passing yards, 124 passing touchdowns and 89 career interceptions in the NFL. His starting record is 42-56-0.
Reich has worked with many QBs in his life, but Smith's memory might be the best.
"I swear he's got a photographic memory," Reich said. "[He] processes really fast. His arm, the way he moves, his feet in the pocket, he's physically in his prime. He takes great care of himself and that's going to help this team."
Smith did not play well in 2025 with the Raiders. He had 3,025 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns and 17 interceptions. The former Seahawks star went 2-13 as the starter.
Many NFL pundits and fans don't believe Smith can turn back the clock with the Jets.
According to Reich, the outside noise does not affect Smith.
"This man is laser focused like people don't understand," Reich said. "He comes to work and he's locked in. I feel like the whole offense plays off of that, that's a really big deal."
Smith and the Jets face the Tennessee Titans on the road to begin the 2026 season. This could be Smith's final chance to be a starting QB in the NFL.
It will be intriguing to see how he plays in Reich's system.
"It's not just me out there, it's all of us, so it doesn't just matter what I know, it's about what we know collectively," Smith said. "I think we have a room full of great minds and we're collaborating and working together."
