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After a turbulent season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Geno Smith appears poised for a full-circle comeback.
Instead of releasing him, the Raiders agreed to trade Geno Smith to the Jets, ESPN reported Tuesday. The Jets also picked up a seventh round pick in next month’s NFL Draft, while the Raiders got a sixth round pick.
The Jets selected Smith in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. After four seasons, he crossed the concourse at MetLife Stadium to sign with the Giants.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., Nov. 23, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
The deal cannot be finalized until Smith passes a physical and the new league year opens Wednesday. In his rookie season with the Jets, Smith threw almost twice as many interceptions as touchdowns.
Smith matched his touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2014, threw for 13 in each category and was benched more than once during his second NFL season.
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A broken jaw suffered in an altercation with a teammate sidelined Smith for several weeks in 2015. After continued uneven play, he started just three more games for the Jets before Smith’s first stint ended.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith looks to throw in the first quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., Dec. 28, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Smith saw limited action in 2018 with the Los Angeles Chargers. He revitalized his career in Seattle and started every regular season game in 2022. His performances earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year and his first career Pro Bowl honors.
Smith was named to the Pro Bowl for the second straight season in 2023. After missing the playoffs in 2024, the Seahawks traded Smith to the Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High on November 6, 2025 in Denver, Colo. (Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)
Smith will join a quarterback room in New Jersey that already includes Justin Fields.
The Raiders have the top pick in this year’s draft and are widely expected to select former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas also reportedly bolstered its offensive line this week by signing center Tyler Linderbaum to a record three-year deal.
The Jets hold the second pick in the draft.
