Aaron Glenn just confirmed what Jets fans already knew about Geno Smith

The New York Jets knew what they were signing up for when they set their sights on Geno Smith this offseason. The plan wasn't just for Smith to return to the place he called home for the first four years of his career. The plan was for him to do so as the starter.

The Jets entered the 2026 offseason facing yet another uninspiring quarterback search. Their options were bleak, with stopgaps like Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz weighed against expensive trade targets such as Mac Jones and Tanner McKee.

In the end, the Jets opted for a reunion with Smith, who was coming off his worst season since revitalizing his career as a starting quarterback in Seattle a few years ago. The Jets are hoping he still has something left in the tank.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed what many fans already knew in a recent interview with NFL Network's Judy Battista at the annual league meetings in Phoenix this week, insisting that Smith will be the team's starting quarterback in 2026.

"Listen, he’s done it. I mean, those years in Seattle, when he was, I think, Comeback Player of the Year. Man, he was up for MVP early in the season. There’s no doubt in my mind that we brought a competent starter here to this team."

Aaron Glenn

Aaron Glenn confirms Geno Smith will be the Jets' starting quarterback in 2026

When asked to clarify if Smith would unquestionably be the starter this season, Glenn responded emphatically, saying “No doubt about it, he’s our guy.” There will be no quarterback competition in Florham Park heading into 2026.

This should hardly come as a surprise, seeing as the only other quarterbacks currently under contract with the team at the time of writing are former Patriots backup Bailey Zappe and 2025 undrafted rookie Brady Cook.

The Jets are expected to add a legitimate backup quarterback to their room at some point this offseason, either via free agency, the trade market, or the 2026 NFL Draft, but none of their potential options figure to challenge Smith.

The veteran market is headlined by the likes of Cooper Rush and familiar face Tyrod Taylor. Unless the Jets are selecting Alabama's Ty Simpson, no quarterback in this year's draft should be seen as legitimate competition for the 2013 second-round pick.

Smith may not be the most exciting quarterback option, but he may have been the best choice in a difficult situation for the Jets this offseason. If Glenn’s confidence proves justified and Smith can put together a bounce-back 2026 campaign, the Jets could have a chance to be competitive this season.

Either way, he's going to be given the opportunity to prove that 2025 was more of an aberration than the start of a downward trend. There will be no quarterback competition for the Jets this summer — Geno Smith is their guy.