Mar 30, 2026
3 min read
Speaking to Nationals senior reporter Judy Battista on Sunday at the league's annual meeting in Phoenix, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has "no doubt" that veteran quarterback Geno Smith is their QB1 for the 2026 season.
The Jets were intentional with their moves during the offseason.
After the 2025 campaign featured a quarterback carousel between Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook, New York traded veteran signal-caller Geno Smith ahead of his expected release from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Speaking with Aaron Glenn on Sunday at the league's annual conference in Phoenix, Senior National Columnist Judy Battista asked the Lakers head coach if Smith was a player for the team.
"No doubt about it," Glenn said."He's our man."
Asked what it means to have Smith back in the building, Glenn added, "It means having a true starter to lead this offense where it needs to go. Look, he's done that, you know, a couple of years. I mean, those years in Seattle when he was, I think, Comeback Player of the Year. Man, he was nominated for MVP at the start of the season. I have no doubt we've got a competent starter on this team here."enters the building.
Smith didn't join them in 2025 to reunite with Pete Carroll, in part because of a difficult line.In 15 games with Las Vegas (2-13 record), Smith completed 67.4% of his attempts for 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 touchdowns.
With many expecting the Raiders to select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza or another QB with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, trading Smith to New York gives the passer a chance to start with the Gang Green after Glenn's affirmations.
Despite going 3-14 in his first season as the Jets' boss, Glenn and general manager Darren Muggy are confident of a quick comeback.During free agency, the Jets brought back Brice Hall, acquired veteran tight end T'Vondre in a trade, signed linebacker Demario Davis and traded for five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Being too young hurt the Jets at times last season.That's why Glenn and Mougey added veteran pieces to the roster.As Glenn enters his second season at the helm, he anticipates a smoother transition with veteran leaders in the locker room.
"Last year I think we had the second youngest team in the NFL. This year we have a lot of veteran players coming in," Glenn said."So obviously it was intentional. The coaching staff was intentional. Team building is intentional and everything we do is intentional, but it's also a process."
The process continues in April's draft, where the Jets hold two first-round picks (Nos. 2 and 16) and nine overall picks.
Even if Smith is declared the starter through 2026, he will be 36 next season.High draft capital makes the Jets look to their future at that position.
Asked specifically about drafting young QBs, however, Glenn remained focused on continuing to fill the roster with good all-around players.
"We've got to come out with some really good players this year," he said, "and that's all we're thinking about. Whoever it is."
