Why the Jets had no other choice but to trade for Geno Smith

The New York Jets have their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, acquiring Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith in exchange for a late Day 3 pick swap.

News of a trade came as a bit of a surprise, since it was reported last week that the Raiders would be outright releasing Smith, getting out from under his massive contract. Instead, the Jets move back 20 spots in the 2026 NFL draft from 208 to 228, ensuring their former draft pick comes home.

There were reportedly several quarterback-needy teams that would've been in the mix for Smith had he hit the open market, forcing the Jets to send out draft capital to leave little doubt where he would be playing in 2026.

Jets ran risk of losing Geno Smith to other suitors

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, there were some within the Jets building who were concerned about losing Smith to another team, potentially with a better supporting cast or infrastructure.

"There was some thought within the organization that, had Smith hit free agency, other quarterback-needy teams could get involved and muddy the waters. "

Connor Hughes

NFL insider Jordan Schultz added in the aftermath of the trade that the Minnesota Vikings were showing real interest in adding Smith as J.J. McCarthy insurance, and that certainly would've been a threat to the Jets.

Even though Minnesota's quarterback room is murky with a former first-round pick in the mix, they still have one of the best offensive minds in the NFL at head coach in Kevin O'Connell, and arguably the best wide receiver in Justin Jefferson. Had they offered Smith the starting job, or at least a chance to compete, he would've had to have considered it.

That's why the Jets needed to be proactive, sending out a 2026 sixth-round pick to get the deal done.

It's not like New York is taking on his contract either. Las Vegas is still paying a majority of the deal, and Smith will play for the Jets in 2026 just over the veteran's minimum.

Now, the Jets will turn their attention to the backup quarterback position, where Carson Wentz has long been rumored as the preferred insurance policy to Smith.