Sep 30, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws passes during pregame warmups before their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Aaron Glenn believes the chip on Geno Smith’s shoulder will help the New York Jets’ offense take an important step forward in 2026.
After missing out on the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who is destined to go to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Jets pulled off a trade with that same team to reunite with the veteran quarterback, who they drafted in the second round of West Virginia more than a decade ago.
“We wanted to make sure we took our time. It’s like, ‘What guy actually fits the Jets?’” Glenn began telling the team’s official website. “When you look at Geno, he’s a guy that has a chip on his shoulder. He’s a guy who’s highly competitive. This is a guy who really loves football. This is a guy who has learned from some of his mistakes as a young player and make sure he understands that now he’s a key component of that locker room to get everybody on the same page.”
Smith started 30 games with the Jets in a failed first stint. He threw for 12 touchdowns compared to 21 interceptions in his rookie year, then threw for just 2,525 yards in 14 games the following season. He went 12-18 as the starter.
After backup stints with the Giants and Chargers, Smith enjoyed his best years with the Seattle Seahawks. Across three seasons, he averaged 4,075 passing yards per year with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while garnering two Pro Bowl selections.
In 2022, after leading the NFL with a 69.8% completion rate to go with 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, he was named the Comeback Player of the Year and even finished ninth in the MVP voting.
His time in Las Vegas was a disaster. He threw for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and a league-worst 17 interceptions, prompting the Raiders to release him earlier this month.
Still, the Jets believe that this is a step up from last year’s shambolic situation under center, which featured the failed Justin Fields experiment.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him operate behind that line,” Glenn said. “I think he’s going to create some damage because of the arm talent. He’s grown so much as far as his smarts, as far as IDs, as far as protection. I knew that playing against him when he was in Seattle. You watch him, and you see that he’s controlling everything, and that was one thing that really stuck out.
“When you look at those things, those things are some of the cultural things we want to have on this team. There’s nothing better than having a guy with a chip on his shoulder ready to go out there and play.”
For more on Geno Smith and the Jets, visit AMNY.com