The New York Jets have been looking for a new starting quarterback this offseason. With Justin Fields not panning out, they needed a new starter.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, they’ve found their new QB in Geno Smith, as they’re swinging a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Why did the Jets make this trade when Smith was expected to be released? The reason is simple: New York didn’t want to risk losing out on adding Smith to its quarterback room this offseason.
Why Jets traded for Geno Smith despite impending release
“Trade: the Raiders are sending QB Geno Smith and a 2026 7th-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick, per ESPN sources,” Schefter reports.
Smith returning to the Jets, the team that drafted him in the NFL back in 2013, is an interesting storyline for the upcoming season.
While he had 19 touchdowns to 17 interceptions last season for the Raiders, Smith was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Seattle Seahawks and should be a solid option for the Jets in 2026.
But why trade for him when the Raiders were preparing to release him? If Smith hit the open market, which would happen upon his release, the Jets might not be the best landing spot available.
A team could swoop in and offer him a better starting job or situation. Instead, the Jets jump the gun and make sure they don’t let Smith test the waters.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Jets won’t be paying Smith’s contract for the 2026 season. The Raiders are picking it all up.
“The Raiders are paying the bulk of Geno Smith’s salary to facilitate the trade, per source,” Pelissero reports. “The Jets get Smith for a little over the league minimum.”
Smith is coming to the Jets on a deal that cost New York only 11 draft slots, as the Raiders are getting pick 208 and the Jets are getting 219 back. It’s a minor move-down that guarantees the Jets don’t miss out on landing their preferred starting QB this offseason.