Jets’ Geno Smith Predicted To Be Contender for Major Award in 2026

The New York Jets will have a new quarterback under center in the 2026 season as they acquired veteran Geno Smith this offseason.

Smith previously played for the Jets from 2013 to 2016 and was most recently the starter for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. Smith struggled last year, completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.

Despite the struggles, the 35-year-old is getting another opportunity to be a starter in a new situation. 

Ahead of the 2026 season, NFL.com ranked Smith as the eighth most likely player to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Smith previously won the award during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, as he resurrected his career and became a Pro Bowler.

In his three seasons as a starter with the Seahawks, Smith completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 12,226 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions while rushing for 793 yards and four touchdowns.

Although he struggled with the Raiders in 2025, he has showcased his talent in recent years and could be a quality starter for New York. 

The Jets have some young, talented weapons around Smith, including Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr., and Adonai Mitchell. With this talent in place, Smith has a better supporting cast than he did with the Raiders in 2025, giving him a chance for a bounce-back year.

Hall will be dynamic out of the backfield, as he rushed for 1,065 yards and four touchdowns while catching 36 receptions for 350 yards and a touchdown. Wilson will be the top receiver on the outside for New York, as he has hauled in 315 receptions for 3,644 yards and 18 touchdowns through 58 games in his career.

Mitchell has shown flashes as a receiver in his first two seasons, recording 56 receptions for 765 yards and two touchdowns. If he can find more consistency, he could be a key piece for New York's offense.

Cooper Jr. and Sadiq are unproven rookies with the potential to develop into stars, but they could face some growing pains.

While the Jets have young pieces who need time to develop, they still have a talented offense that can help Smith become a contender for the Comeback Player of the Year Award.