3 under-the-radar options to fill the NY Jets void at QB in 2023

2. The NY Jets could target Geno Smith

So the first name wasn't spicy enough for you, huh? We now present, the prodigal son Geno Smith.

A reunion between Smith and the Jets would have been completely laughable this time last year. Granted it's still a wild concept, but the journeyman backup version of Smith has been a punchline for most of his NFL career.

However, a resurgent season in Seattle has completely transformed the former West Virginia superstar's professional career. Smith earned 2022 Pro Bowl honors as he posted a career-high 29 touchdowns and 4,069 passing yards and led the NFL with a 70.2 completion percentage.

All of this was while he was leading a Seahawks team that was expected to be among the worst in football to an 8-8 record and a legitimate chance at the NFC's final playoff spot as we enter the final week of the season.

If Smith, who has shown clear signs of development this season, were to transfer this performance to New York, the Jets could have given the AFC juggernaut Buffalo Bills a legitimate run at the division.

There are a few reasons to be weary about this pairing. While I am a believer in Smith's growth and maturity, he did struggle mightily in his first stint with the Jets. His current market value is also skyrocketing with an anticipated $36.1 million AAV, per Spotrac.

This would put the Jets, who currently have just $15.8 million in available cap space in a position where they would have to clear space to add Smith.

Add in the fact that Smith is currently 32 years old, the red flags are noteworthy. However, the Jets seem to be a QB away from establishing themselves as serious contenders.

Smith's upside, which is far higher than someone like Brissett, could put the Jets in a position to compete against the league's best in the postseason.