Jets Not Trading Geno Smith Would Raise Fair Questions if He Doesn't Return in 2027

It's interesting to think that the New York Jets have gotten this level of quarterback play throughout the 2026 campaign and are still among the worst teams in the NFL. 

Quarterback Geno Smith certainly isn't elite or perfect by any means, but he's done a pretty good job in New York. 

One could even make an argument that this is the best quarterback play that we've seen out of a Jets quarterback in quite some time. 

On the season, it does feel like Smith has regressed a tad at times in recent weeks, but he's still thrown for 2,078 yards, 12 touchdowns, and has just three interceptions. If anybody would have predicted that Smith was going to have just three interceptions throughout nine games, most would take that.

And on the other hand, it's not crazy to say that because the Jets have played this poorly, moving on from Smith would be the wrong idea. 

Right now, it feels like Smith has a real opportunity to get the Jets some decent value in return, but according to the latest, there's not an expectation that he's going to be traded, despite the reality that the Jets have to find a franchise quarterback possibly in this upcoming 2027 NFL Draft.

“On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets have reportedly received multiple phone calls regarding the availability of starting quarterback Geno Smith, who has mostly performed admirably within the dumpster fire that is Gang Green this season. The Jets do not appear all that inclined to entertain such calls, allowing the veteran quarterback to at least see out the remainder of his reunion season in New York…

“The 36-year-old’s reunion with Gang Green is not expected to last very long, especially at this rate. They are in the running for the No. 1 overall pick as they own the 2-7 Indianapolis Colts selection (currently at No. 4), which would provide the opportunity to finally land a franchise quarterback. The Jets’ own first-rounder currently sits at No. 6 on the draft board, with the winless Los Angeles Chargers in front of the 1-7 Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans,” Joe Pantorno wrote.

My thing with the Jets is that if they understand that Smith either isn't going to return next year or they plan on replacing him in the draft, why would they keep him around right now and eventually lose him for nothing? 

That's obviously something the Jets haven't done well over the past few years, as not moving on from guys at the right time has certainly hurt their value in other potential trades. 

At the same time, I can understand why the Jets might not want to move on from Smith because they want to keep some of their young weapons playing well and understanding what it takes to play in the NFL. By having him throw them the football, they can do just that.