Geno Smith opens up about return to Jets after previous failed stint

Quarterback Geno Smith is expected to complete what was once an unthinkable homecoming, as it was learned on Tuesday that the Las Vegas Raiders had agreed to trade Smith and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the New York Jets for a 2026 seventh-rounder.

Smith entered the NFL when the Jets made him a second-round pick during the 2013 draft, but the club gave up on him after four seasons. During a Tuesday chat with NFL insider Josina Anderson on "The Exhibit Show," Smith opened up about his return to the Jets. 

Geno Smith: Return to Jets a "full-circle" moment

"It's like this full-circle moment for me, honestly," Smith explained, per Ayrton Ostly of USA Today. "I can remember my last touchdown was to Quincy Enunwa right there at MetLife Stadium, playing the Ravens the day I tore my ACL. That began my journey, and it all led me back here where it all started."

Smith's first Jets tenure was filled with more lows than highs, as he posted a 12-18 record over 30 starts before he became somewhat of a journeyman. Truth be told, the most memorable moment of his first four pro campaigns likely involved being on the receiving end of a punch thrown by then-teammate IK Enemkpali in August 2015 after the two had a disagreement related to a financial matter.

Enemkpali is no longer an active player, and the Jets have gone through multiple regime changes since Smith took his last meaningful snap as a member of the organization. According to Smith, he welcomed the opportunity to head back to the Jets this offseason. 

Geno Smith had a say in where he was traded

"I was hoping that the Raiders would give me a chance to kind of weigh my options, which they did, and ultimately I decided I want to go back to New York," Smith said. 

In Smith, the Jets likely see a 35-year-old lottery-ticket option at the sport's most important position. Gang Green is responsible for the longest active postseason drought among the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and MLS at 15 years. Thus, the club has little to lose in taking a short-term flier on Smith when other quarterbacks (such as Malik Willis, Tua Tagovailoa) went elsewhere. 

As for Smith, he hopes this chapter of his career includes a happy ending. 

"It's kind of like a movie," Smith added about his return to the Jets while speaking with Anderson. "Kind of like a movie script."