The Geno Smith love is officially underway during Jets workouts

Adonai Mitchell was 14 years old the last time that Geno Smith made a start for the New York Jets.

Nearly a decade later, the duo of Smith and Mitchell has a chance to make opposing defenses miserable.

Mitchell has evidently become one of Smith’s favorite targets throughout offseason workouts, and the third-year wideout isn’t holding back on his initial impressions.

“He’s a baller,” Mitchell said of Smith. “He’s a natural leader. He’s kind of the alpha in the room, you know, that’s the best way I could put it.”

“He takes initiative, and he communicates very well,” Mitchell added. “I’m excited.”

The Geno Smith love is great news for Jets fans

Look, any Jets fans old enough to remember Smith’s first stint in New York might be skeptical about the early positivity.

Add in Smith’s recent turnover issues with the Seahawks and Raiders, and the cynicism is understandable.

It’s nonetheless encouraging to hear how pleased Mitchell and Aaron Glenn, among others, are with Smith thus far.

Forget the need for PR-friendly answers or the typical naive offseason optimism.

Smith’s return to New York has the potential to be one of the 2026 NFL season’s top stories, and not even because of the Jets’ prolonged quarterback problems.

The Jets have arguably their best offensive core — at least, in terms of skill players — since Smith’s final year in New York, when he shared a lineup with the likes of Chris Ivory, Brandon Marshall, and Eric Decker.

This time around, Smith has Mitchell, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and talented rookies Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr.

Smith can also throw to tight ends Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert, the latter of whom is expected to play a significant role in Frank Reich’s offense.

Imagine telling someone in 2016 that not only would Smith be back with the Jets, but he’d be charged with securing the team’s first winning record in over a decade.

If Smith somehow leads the Jets to their first playoff berth since 2010, he’ll have more than validated Mitchell’s enthusiasm.

In fact, such an achievement would almost be enough to warrant Smith landing a spot in the Ring of Honor.

Alright, maybe that’s too far, but the point remains. Mitchell and Glenn are opting for smiles and excitement, and perhaps it’s time for the rest of the Jets’ fanbase to follow.

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