Posted on Mar 12

Jets acquire QB Geno Smith from Raiders in late-round pick swap, reuniting with Carroll

Posted Mar 12, 2026

The New York Jets have traded for quarterback Geno Smith, marking a significant return for the player who once led the team from 2013 to 2014.

Why it matters: This acquisition comes at a crucial juncture for the Jets as they seek to bolster their quarterback depth and potentially reignite Smith's career in a familiar environment.

Acquiring a seasoned quarterback like Smith could provide stability, particularly given his past experience with the franchise.
The Jets hope to capitalize on Smith’s impressive performances under coach Pete Carroll during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.

What’s new: The Jets secured Smith in exchange for a late-round pick swap involving a sixth-round pick in 2026 for a seventh-round pick in the same draft year.

This relatively low-risk transaction allows the Jets to evaluate Smith's capabilities without significant financial commitment.
Smith's prior stint with the Jets saw him starting 29 games, which gives the team insight into his potential fit within their offensive schemes.

By the numbers: Last season, Smith played 13 games for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he faced substantial challenges.

He led the league with 17 interceptions and was sacked 55 times, showcasing vulnerabilities that the Jets will need to address.
Despite these struggles, he still managed to pass for 362 yards in a notable Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots, indicating flashes of talent.

Yes, but: While Smith has shown promise, his history raises questions about his consistency and ability to thrive under pressure.

Pete Carroll noted, "We should've coached him better," suggesting that there are elements of coaching and scheme adaptation that could enhance Smith's performance in New York.
The Jets’ current coaching staff will need to focus on refining Smith’s decision-making skills to avoid repeating past mistakes.

What to watch: The dynamics between Smith and Jets' head coach Robert Saleh will be crucial as they work to integrate him into the team's system.

Smith's familiarity with Carroll’s offensive philosophies from Seattle may aid in his transition back to New York, especially if similar concepts are implemented.
Observing how Smith interacts with the Jets' young offensive talent will also be key to assessing his future impact.

The bottom line: Geno Smith’s return to the Jets presents both an opportunity for redemption and a chance for the franchise to stabilize its quarterback position.

With supportive figures like Pete Carroll acknowledging Smith's potential and character, the Jets aim to harness his abilities effectively while navigating the complexities of quarterback performance in today's NFL landscape.

Jets acquire QB Geno Smith from Raiders in late-round pick swap, reuniting with Carroll

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 12, 2026

The New York Jets have traded for quarterback Geno Smith, marking a significant return for the player who once led the team from 2013 to 2014.

Why it matters: This acquisition comes at a crucial juncture for the Jets as they seek to bolster their quarterback depth and potentially reignite Smith's career in a familiar environment.

Acquiring a seasoned quarterback like Smith could provide stability, particularly given his past experience with the franchise.

The Jets hope to capitalize on Smith’s impressive performances under coach Pete Carroll during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.

What’s new: The Jets secured Smith in exchange for a late-round pick swap involving a sixth-round pick in 2026 for a seventh-round pick in the same draft year.

This relatively low-risk transaction allows the Jets to evaluate Smith's capabilities without significant financial commitment.

Smith's prior stint with the Jets saw him starting 29 games, which gives the team insight into his potential fit within their offensive schemes.

By the numbers: Last season, Smith played 13 games for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he faced substantial challenges.

He led the league with 17 interceptions and was sacked 55 times, showcasing vulnerabilities that the Jets will need to address.

Despite these struggles, he still managed to pass for 362 yards in a notable Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots, indicating flashes of talent.

Yes, but: While Smith has shown promise, his history raises questions about his consistency and ability to thrive under pressure.

Pete Carroll noted, "We should've coached him better," suggesting that there are elements of coaching and scheme adaptation that could enhance Smith's performance in New York.

The Jets’ current coaching staff will need to focus on refining Smith’s decision-making skills to avoid repeating past mistakes.

What to watch: The dynamics between Smith and Jets' head coach Robert Saleh will be crucial as they work to integrate him into the team's system.

Smith's familiarity with Carroll’s offensive philosophies from Seattle may aid in his transition back to New York, especially if similar concepts are implemented.

Observing how Smith interacts with the Jets' young offensive talent will also be key to assessing his future impact.

The bottom line: Geno Smith’s return to the Jets presents both an opportunity for redemption and a chance for the franchise to stabilize its quarterback position.

With supportive figures like Pete Carroll acknowledging Smith's potential and character, the Jets aim to harness his abilities effectively while navigating the complexities of quarterback performance in today's NFL landscape.