Dealing Geno Smith at the trade deadline would’ve never made sense for Jets

The New York Jets are 2-7 on the season and had a quiet trade deadline this year. Names such as Geno Smith and Breece Hall could've helped contending teams, but the Jets instead chose to hang on to them for the rest of the season.

Trading Hall would've made sense given the emergence of running back Braelon Allen, plus moving Hall's three-year, $43 million contract extension signed back in May.

However, keeping Smith as their starting quarterback for the remainder of the way was the right choice.

Keeping Geno Smith was the correct move for the New York Jets

The Jets received calls from teams about Smith's availability, but were not interested in trading the 13-year veteran quarterback.

Smith has been far from the problem with the Jets this season. In fact, Smith has thrown for 2,078 yards, 12 touchdowns to three interceptions, and has a 67.5% completion rate in nine games this year.

The 36-year-old is still a viable starting quarterback in the NFL, and while the Jets aren't going anywhere in 2026, his presence means something to the team. The Jets have a group of young offensive weapons in the receiving game, and having Smith under center has helped with their development this season.

In addition to star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, the Jets have seen Mason Taylor, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr., and Adonai Mitchell make strides in the passing game. If the Jets traded Smith, this group of skill players would likely take a step back with Cade Klubnik throwing them passes.

The Jets were smart to keep Smith around to mentor their young offensive playmakers. By hanging on to Smith, the Jets have the opportunity to build some momentum on offense heading into next season.

It's no secret that the Jets need to draft their quarterback of the future, but Smith is a fine candidate to fill this hole as a stopgap. Even beyond this year, the Jets could bring back Smith to school their next franchise quarterback if and when they select one in the 2027 NFL Draft.

In the meantime, Smith has done a great job helping Taylor, Sadiq, Cooper, and Mitchell put up solid campaigns this season. Taylor has 18 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns; Sadiq has 21 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown; Cooper has 20 catches for 306 yards and two touchdowns; and Mitchell has 16 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown.

There's no reason that this group can't keep up this production for the rest of the season, and not trading Smith will be why they're able to do so.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow