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NFL·ANALYSIS·July 13, 2026 10:39 AM ET

New York Jets fans anticipate bounce-back 2026 campaign for Geno Smith

Survey projects veteran as top-20 NFL quarterback.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 131 min read
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What happened: New York reacquired the veteran quarterback during the offseason through a trade involving a late-round pick swap and a modest salary increase. A majority of voters in a recent fan poll predicted Smith will rank between the 11th and 20th best passer across the league this year.

Why it matters: Smith's initial tenure in New York produced limited on-field success, making his return a rare second opportunity to provide stability at the quarterback position. The organization is heavily counting on Geno Smith to elevate a revitalized offense without expending significant salary cap space. Achieving credible quarterback production across the 2026 season would likely position him in contention for Comeback Player of the Year honors.

By the numbers: Smith finished the 2025 season with a lower QBR than Justin Fields while quarterbacking the Las Vegas Raiders to a 3-14 record.

What to watch: Smith will report to training camp later this month as New York prepares its offensive rotation for the preseason. His early practice reps will offer the initial indication of how he fits into the scheme during his second stint with the franchise.

Sources

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