Geno Smith’s Jets reunion has left a former first-round pick optimistic

Quinton Coples saw enough quarterback shuffling during his three-plus seasons with the New York Jets, watching the Mark Sanchez era flame out and the search for a franchise player intensify.

And while Coples knows that former teammate Geno Smith won’t be the Jets’ long-term answer, he’s also well aware of what the alternative could be — and, more importantly, what it has been in recent years.

Speaking on the “Flight Talk” podcast with Connor Long, Coples reaffirmed that he still believes in Smith as a starting quarterback. The two were teammates from 2013 through 2015, when the Jets traded Coples to the Dolphins. 

Coples praised the Jets for seeking “stability” at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is the only quarterback since the start of 2016 to start every game in a given season. 

“We haven’t had any consistency in that area or position for a while now,” Coples said, “so for him to come back and kind of revamp things and make up for lost time in regards to him being away, it’s gonna be great.”

Geno Smith’s mixed training camp has raised concerns for New York Jets fans

At the risk of sounding cliché, it truly has been a tale of two weeks for Smith. He started training camp looking aggressive and forging reliable connections with receiver Adonai Mitchell and tight end Mason Taylor, among others.  

Then came the turnovers and inaccuracy, as is typical for Jets quarterbacks. Smith’s more passive play style during this week’s joint practices with the Buccaneers raised significant red flags, with him primarily throwing shorter routes during team drills. 

Upon reflection, maybe this week’s events shouldn’t be overly surprising. Smith averaged 6.8 yards per attempt last year, his worst as a full-time starter and a 0.7-yard drop from 2024. He ranked No. 24 among 33 qualified passers in yards per attempt, and his 67.4% completion percentage placed him No. 11. 

It’s too early to sound the alarm on Smith, who is still adjusting to Frank Reich’s offense and is already missing rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq. As argued previously, Friday presents an excellent opportunity to see how Smith approaches moving the ball downfield and whether he takes deep shots, especially when Mitchell and Garrett Wilson are out there.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn has not specified what Smith’s workload during the other two preseason games would entail. The Jets play the Steelers on August 21 and meet the Giants in their annual preseason rivalry clash seven days later.

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