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The Las Vegas Raiders have their sights fully set on selecting Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Hence, they have tradedGeno Smith to the New York Jets despite trading a third-round pick for the quarterback only one year ago.
Smith is coming off a poor season. He led the Raiders to the worst record in the NFL while also throwing a league-leading 17 interceptions. However, some still believe that he can turn it around.
Written Off Again?
When Smith started his career, he was expected to be a first-round pick. However, he fell to the second, with the New York Jets selecting him with the 39th pick. In his first two seasons, Smith struggled, throwing 25 touchdowns and 34 interceptions. Prior to the 2015 season, he had his jaw broken by a teammate following a dispute over a plane ticket.
This incident led many to write Smith off. Many saw him as a career backup as he rode the bench for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers. His career changed when he landed in Seattle as Russell Wilson‘s backup. After two seasons on the bench, Seattle finally gave him a chance. The Denver Broncos traded for Wilson, and the Seahawks named Smith their starter.
Many expected the Seahawks to finish as one of the worst teams in the league. However, Smith proved his doubters wrong, leading Seattle to a playoff berth. In the process, he set career highs in passing yards with 4,282 and touchdowns with 30, all while only throwing 11 interceptions.
When asked about his doubters, Smith memorably remarked, “They wrote me off, I ain’t write back though.”
Back to Where it Began?
Teams like the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals displayed immediate interest upon hearing that Smith was on his way out. However, the Dolphins signed Malik Willis and the Cardinals signedGardner Minshew, which left one intriguing possibility: a reunion with the New York Jets.
Smith will have another opportunity to be a hero for the team that drafted him. He will also be given the chance to end a playoff drought that had only just recently begun back when he was drafted.
Given the moves the Jets have made so far during free agency, they may not be looking to take. Therefore, bringing back their former second-round pick makes sense. Smith still provides intriguing upside, as it has only been a few seasons since he was a top-half quarterback.
Not All on Him
Smith’s production has dropped in the past two seasons. However, this may be attributed to the fact that he has dealt with two one-and-done offensive coordinators during that span.
Ryan Grubb’s offense in Seattle was ranked 14th, even with star players such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kenneth Walker, and D.K. Metcalf.
Las Vegas fired Chip Kelly after a Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Raiders’ offense finished the season ranked last in the league. Smith also dealt with poor pass protection during that stretch.
The Seahawks ranked 30th in the league in pass protection in 2024, while the Raiders ranked last during the 2025 season.
Now, Smith will be joining a team with Super Bowl champion Frank Reich calling the plays. He will also have an offensive line that performed great down the stretch last season.
Many have written off Smith again. However, going back to where his career started could spark yet another successful season for the 12-year veteran.
The post Can Geno Smith Make Another Comeback in 2026? appeared first on The Lead.
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