Jets Name Geno Smith Starting QB for 2026

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Sunday that veteran quarterback Geno Smith will serve as the team's starting signal-caller for the 2026 NFL season, marking a clear direction for the franchise amid ongoing roster reconstruction.

Glenn made the announcement during an interview at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix, dispelling any lingering uncertainty following Smith's acquisition earlier in the offseason. "No doubt about it. He's our guy," Glenn said. He highlighted Smith's proven track record, particularly during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, where the quarterback earned Comeback Player of the Year honors and was in the MVP conversation early in one season. "It means to have a bona fide starter come in and lead this offense to where it needs to go," Glenn added. "There's no doubt in my mind that we brought a competent starter here on this team."

The Jets acquired the 35-year-old Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders on March 10 in a low-stakes trade, sending a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to Las Vegas in exchange for Smith and a seventh-round selection. The deal minimized financial risk for New York, as the Raiders agreed to cover the bulk of Smith's salary,...