Jets shouldn't overlook this familiar solution at quarterback

In the New York Jets' search for a new quarterback, there's no perfect option that'll guarantee success. Throw out any name you want- Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Davis Mills, Marcus Mariota, all have their positives. But another thing they all share is drawbacks.

Darren Mougey, Aaron Glenn, and Frank Reich's job this offseason will be figuring out which quarterback has the least amount of flaws and who has the likelihood of achieving the most success within the Jets' new offensive system.

There's one quarterback out there who could provide New York with some stability at the position, despite his performance in 2025. Better yet, he's a familiar face that Jets fans have history with, and would welcome back with open arms, considering what the team has dealt with since he left.

Geno Smith wouldn't be a bad option for the Jets in 2026

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback and former Jets draft pick Geno Smith may be out of a job this offseason. The Raiders acquired him last year as their starter under new head coach Pete Carroll, but with Las Vegas in line to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the new-look Silver & Black with Klint Kubiak at the helm is likely to part ways with Smith one way or another.

It won't be easy. The former Seattle Seahawk is entering the first year of a two-year, $75 million extension he signed with Las Vegas as he walked through the door last April, with $66.5 million guaranteed.

There's a possibility the Raiders would like to keep the veteran as a stopgap for Mendoza, but the Heisman Trophy winner is considered as pro-ready as it gets in the incoming class.

Regardless, if Smith shakes free from the Raiders, the Jets should keep a serious eye on him as a potential solution to their quarterback problem. He fits the mold as a Reich-type pocket passer. Strong, tall, and not afraid to stand in the pocket to deliver passes downfield.

Now, Smith isn't coming off the greatest season. He led the league with 17 interceptions, and obviously was the quarterback of the team that landed the No. 1 overall pick. But it's hard to envision any quarterback leading that Raiders team to anything but a top-three pick.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported he heard around the NFL Scouting Combine that teams felt like Smith was "held back" by the Raiders and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's system. It surely didn't help that they had one of the worst offensive lines in football, and traded Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas' best weapon, at the trade deadline.

In Smith's final season in Seattle, he was productive. He completed 70.4% of his passes for 4,320 yards, to go along with 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Sure, he turned the ball over a decent amount, but if that had been for the Jets, it would be the first 4,000-yard season since Joe Namath.

If the Raiders end up cutting Smith, he could end up being the perfect option for the Jets this season on a low-risk, veteran minimum deal. Otherwise, the salary in year one of his contract may not be worth the risk.