What happened: New York reacquired Geno Smith by exchanging a sixth-round pick for a seventh-rounder and adding $3 million to his contract. Aaron Glenn confirmed him as the 2026 starter in March. [New York Jets](https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/geno-smith-named-starting-quarterback-jets-aaron-glenn-03-30-2026)

Why it matters: Justin Fields' midseason benching and subsequent departure put renewed scrutiny on how Glenn and Darren Mougey evaluate quarterbacks and build an offense around them. Limited acquisition costs reduce the financial exposure, but another unsuccessful pairing would raise questions about their approach to the position.

What to watch: Smith faces the Raiders at MetLife Stadium on November 1, with his former team still paying most of his salary.