A Geno Smith-Jets reunion in 2026 may not be as wild as it sounds

Not only did the New York Jets miss out on a potential franchise quarterback when Oregon star Dante Moore decided to return to school for the 2026 season, but they lost yet another player who could potentially get some starting reps as Aaron Glenn tries to improve upon the Justin Fields disaster.

The option that might be the most prudent for the Jets is adding a veteran stopgap that can chuck it down the field for a year before picking a franchise guy in the deeper 2027 class. The options out there are uninspiring, but one former Jets quarterback may be in the mood for a reunion if Darren Mougey can get creative.

Even though the Las Vegas Raiders may just hold on to veteran quarterback Geno Smith after securing the No. 1 overall pick and a shot at Indiana star Fernando Mendoza, there's an equally valid chance of the new head coach cutting one of the last vestiges of the Pete Carroll era loose.

With Smith now establishing himself as (at worst) a below-average starting quarterback in this league, bringing him in for a year might not be the worst idea in the world.

Jets may need to consider Geno Smith reunion after Dante Moore news

First, the bad. Smith led the league in interceptions with 17 last season, won just two games, and was one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league. Fresh off signing a contract extension, it's more than fair to say Smith did not live up to the hype.

However, Smith was playing for an overwhelmed and incompetent offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly, alongside the worst offensive line in the league and one of the worst collections of wide receivers after trading Jakobi Meyers. Coming to the Jets, who have a much better line, may help Smith bounce back.

If the Jets are unable to acquire Kyler Murray, who might move the needle in terms of wins and losses, how many options on the market are better than Smith? Mac Jones and Jameis Winston are backups the Jets will need to trade for, while Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota are veteran stopgaps Glenn can't be serious about competing with.

Would it really be that surprising if Smith throws it back to his days in Seattle behind a much better Jets offensive line and under the watchful eye of an offensive coordinator in Tanner Engstrand, who many seem to like? In a very thin market, he might be one of the most qualified names out there.