New York Jets Why Jets brought Geno Smith back and more post-trade questions answered By Brian Costello Published March 10, 2026, 8:14 p.m. ET Raiders quarterback Geno Smith looks to pass during their loss to the Giants this past season. Getty Images The Jets got their 2026 quarterback, bringing back old friend Geno Smith in a trade with the Raiders. Have questions? You’re in luck because The Post’s Brian Costello has answers.
Q: Why Smith over Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa and the rest?
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A: Look, no one is going to pick the Jets to make the playoffs because they traded for Smith on Tuesday, but he was the best of some bad options. Murray was not picking the Jets as the place to get his career back on track. Same thing with Tagovailoa. The other veteran options are guys who have been relegated to backup duty in recent years or have dealt with major injuries. The Jets could have traded for a younger backup quarterback, but the asking price for players like Tyson Bagent, Davis Mills, etc. was said to be way too high.
Smith is not that far removed from success in Seattle. The Jets need competent quarterback play in 2026. Smith should be able to provide that.
