Jets insider reveals team's QB 'favorite' with free agency looming

As the New York Jets continue to weigh their options at the quarterback position less than 24 hours out from the start of the legal tampering period of free agency, a familiar face is starting to emerge as the team's preferred choice.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported Sunday morning that former Jets quarterback Geno Smith "feels like the early favorite" to be the Jets' quarterback in 2026. Smith is expected to be released by the Raiders this week following a highly disappointing first season in Las Vegas.

Rosenblatt added that the Jets are also keeping tabs on the likes of Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, although the former is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Malik Willis is expected to be "too expensive" for the Jets, while Derek Carr does not appear to be a legitimate possibility at this time.

Other names that have been tied to the Jets' quarterback search are Carson Wentz, Andy Dalton, and Mitchell Trubisky, although all three would likely be viewed internally as backup options. Jacoby Brissett is another candidate, though that will be contingent on his future in Arizona.

For now, Smith seems like the odds-on favorite entering free agency.

Geno Smith is the new 'favorite' to be the Jets' QB of choice in free agency

Smith was traded to the Raiders last March in a move that reunited him with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. The hope was that Smith would build off the success he found in Seattle and allow the Raiders to compete for a playoff spot in a crowded AFC West.

Instead, Smith's numbers regressed significantly, and the organization completely bottomed out, finishing 3-14 with the worst record in the NFL. Smith ended the year with 19 touchdowns and a league-worst 17 interceptions while also taking an NFL-high 55 sacks.

Still, it's easy to chalk some of Smith's 2025 struggles up to his disastrous situation. The 35-year-old was forced to play behind arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL, with next to nothing at wide receiver, an inadequate running back, and an inept coaching staff.

There are many around the NFL who still believe Smith has some juice left in him and that his 2025 failures were largely a product of his environment. Given the scarcity in this year's quarterback market, he figures to generate some interest from teams, especially given that he's expected to sign for the league minimum.

Reports suggest the Vikings view him internally as a fallback option if they aren't able to secure a Kyler Murray deal. The Miami Dolphins are also a team that could be interested. However, the Jets might make the most sense.

If there's any player who can potentially put together a 2017 Josh McCown-like season for the Jets in 2026, it might just be the franchise's former second-round pick. The current Jets regime certainly seems to believe that.

Nothing is set in stone, and the Jets will continue to assess this quarterback market in the coming days, but all signs point to Geno Smith being near the top of their list of preferred targets. Who doesn't love a good reunion tour?