Geno Smith has Super Bowl in mind for Jets return

New York Jets fans posting on social media and calling into sports-talk radio stations such as WFAN haven't been over the moon about the club's decision to bring quarterback and former Jets flop Geno Smith back to the organization this winter. 

While speaking with reporters during a Thursday Zoom call, Smith offered somewhat of a promise to supporters of the team that is responsible for the longest active postseason drought among the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and MLS (15 years).

Geno Smith wants to "make things right" with Jets, fans

"When I was drafted here, my goal was to play my entire career for the Jets and one day retire as a Jet," Smith said about Gang Green making him a second-round pick during the 2013 draft, per Al Iannazzone of Newsday. "Just to come back now and to be a part of this organization again, the organization that gave me a chance coming out of West Virginia, and really, really believed in me. Although it didn't go exactly as planned, somehow, someway, we got back here, and I'm eager to kind of make things right if I can." 

Smith posted a 12-18 record over 30 starts with the Jets from 2013 through the 2016 season. The most memorable moment of that stint likely involved the signal-caller being on the receiving end of a punch thrown by a teammate after the two reportedly had a disagreement related to a financial matter.

Smith eventually found success with the Seattle Seahawks, but he more recently went 2-13 as the Las Vegas Raiders' starter this past season before the Raiders decided to go in a different direction. Some think the Jets starting Smith later this year would show the franchise is "tanking" with the 2027 NFL Draft in mind, but the 35-year-old wants fans to know he hopes to prove such doubters wrong. 

Geno Smith thinking Super Bowl with Jets? 

"We want to go out there and give our fans something to be proud of," Smith added during his comments. "Put a great product on field, be competitive, not just competitive, but win a lot of games, and also put ourselves in position to hoist that Lombardi at the end of the season. I know our fan base has been longing for that. If I can be the guy to get that done, that’s what I want to do."

Smith getting his hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy while wearing a Jets jersey would go down as one of the most remarkable stories in NFL history. Such a scenario seems unlikely, but it's worth noting that Smith has a history of silencing critics with his play.