Jets rookie Kenyon Sadiq shares heartwarming Geno Smith anecdote

They may not have connected for their first touchdown yet, but New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is more than familiar with Geno Smith’s game.

Sadiq, who grew up in Idaho and played at Oregon, revealed that he grew up a Seahawks fan. He was in high school when Smith, a journeyman backup, revived his career when pressed into duty during the 2021 season.

Smith remained the Seahawks’ starter through 2024, and Sadiq kept a close eye on the Seahawks while playing for the Oregon Ducks.

Now, Sadiq and Smith are teammates on the Jets, and the No. 16 pick isn’t afraid to share his excitement.

“He did great things in Seattle, and he’s a vet,” Sadiq said, “so it’ll be great to get around him, kind of pick his brain a little bit and see how he processes things; he’s been in the game for a long time.”

Jets coach Aaron Glenn previously confirmed that the 35-year-old Smith will start Week 1. The Jets acquired Smith, who had previously played for the team from 2013 through 2016, in a March trade with the Raiders.

What should Jets fans expect from Kenyon Sadiq as a rookie?

New Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich typically uses two-tight end sets, which should allow Sadiq and Mason Taylor to both play significant roles this year.

Sadiq has a nose for the end zone, scoring eight touchdowns on 51 catches last year. His 4.39 40-yard dash time led all tight ends during February’s combine.

Suddenly, the Jets’ offense actually looks quite intriguing … on paper, at least.

Don’t get too excited. These are the Jets, after all.

In all seriousness, the pressure isn’t solely on Breece Hall or Garrett Wilson anymore.

Sadiq and fellow first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr. provide a new playmaking element at tight end and receiver, respectively. Former Colts wideout Adonai Mitchell flashed after arriving in the Sauce Gardner trade, and Taylor quietly recorded 44 catches for 369 yards as a rookie.

We’re a long way from having any idea whether that core can help the Jets snap the longest playoff drought among the four major North American sports.

No Jets tight end has recorded at least 800 receiving yards since Dustin Keller in 2011. Fittingly, Sadiq earned comparisons to Keller throughout the pre-draft process.

Somewhat ironically, Keller’s last season in New York came in 2012, one year before the Jets drafted Smith. Everything is intertwined, especially when the Jets are involved.

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