Jets acquire QB Geno Smith in trade with Raiders, sources say

  • March 10, 2026

  • Rich CiminiMar 10, 2026, 02:21 PM ET

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      As an ESPN staff writer, Rich Cimini provides coverage for the New York Jets and the NFL. He has reported on the Jets for more than three decades, commencing his tenure at ESPN in 2010. Cimini is also the host of the Flight Deck podcast and formerly worked as a beat writer for the New York Daily News, having completed his studies at Syracuse University.

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets and quarterback Geno Smith have reunited, following a nine-year period apart.

Rather than awaiting his potential release, the Jets acquired Smith via trade on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal involves the Jets dispatching a 2026 sixth-round selection to the Las Vegas Raiders, receiving Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick in return, sources informed Schefter.

On Tuesday morning, Smith underwent and successfully completed a physical examination at the Jets’ training facility, a source confirmed.

Smith is slated to take on the role of the Jets’ starting quarterback, a position he previously occupied for the team between 2013 and the 2015 preseason. His earlier tenure was cut short after he sustained a fractured jaw in a locker room altercation with a fellow player.

Smith conveyed to NFL Network via text, stating, “This feels like a complete return to my origins.” He added, “I am eager to engage with my new teammates and coaching staff, as well as everyone within the organization, and to forge renewed connections with the supporters and the broader community.”

An ESPN source reported that the Jets and Smith reached an agreement on a revised contract to finalize the trade. While specific terms were not disclosed immediately, the source indicated that the Raiders covered the majority of the 2026 financial commitment.

Prior to this contractual adjustment, the agreement encompassed a duration of two years and a remaining value of $66 million, with $18.5 million of that sum being guaranteed.

Had the Jets opted to await his release at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, they might have secured him for the veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million. However, such a move would have put them in contention with other interested parties, notably the Minnesota Vikings.

In a re-evaluation of their quarterback roster, the Jets are expected to part ways with Justin Fields, who was benched after starting nine games last season. Apart from Fields, who still has a year and $20 million on his deal, the Jets currently have Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe signed. They anticipate bringing in an experienced backup player, with Carson Wentz as a potential candidate.

The Jets might view Smith as an interim solution leading up to the 2027 draft class, which is anticipated to feature numerous top-tier talents. They may choose to select a quarterback in the upcoming draft, not necessarily with their second overall selection, but possibly with their 16th, 33rd, or 44th pick.

Presently, the team is drawing upon its history to resolve its immediate challenges.

Smith has recently concluded one of his less successful seasons. Among 28 eligible quarterbacks, he ranked 27th in Total QBR with a score of 34.1, and he has accumulated the most interceptions (32) across the league in his last two seasons. The Jets are optimistic that he can rediscover the performance levels he exhibited in 2022 and 2023, during which he achieved 50 touchdown passes for the Seattle Seahawks.

Chosen by the Jets in the second round of the 2013 draft, Smith commenced 29 games, throwing 34 interceptions, during his initial two years. He was set to begin the 2015 season as the Week 1 starter; however, he was sidelined for multiple weeks following an incident where he was struck by backup linebacker IK Enemkpali during a disagreement concerning $600.

While Smith was recovering, the Jets brought in veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, whose spirited performance captivated the squad. Fitzpatrick established a new franchise benchmark with 31 touchdown throws, guiding the Jets to a 10-6 outcome, which marked their latest successful season.

Smith functioned as Fitzpatrick’s understudy in 2015 and 2016. Subsequently, he spent four years as a reserve quarterback for the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seahawks prior to stepping into the starting role for Seattle in 2022, replacing Russell Wilson.

Smith’s peak performance year was 2022, during which he tallied 30 touchdown passes and 4,282 yards, steering the Seahawks into the postseason under the guidance of coach Pete Carroll. He earned another Pro Bowl selection in 2023; however, his performance levels have since diminished.