RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesNEW YORK — Throughout the offseason, Geno Smith was in the news for all the wrong reasons.
The Jets quarterback was accused of battery in Florida by a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend.
The Davie Police Department conducted an investigation and later decided not to charge Smith. He was also pulled over by police multiple times for separate traffic infractions.
On the day Jets veterans reported to training camp, Smith told reporters he hoped to put the offseason behind him and focus on the upcoming season.
“I really hate the fact that something I was a part of could have been a distraction for this team,” Smith said on Tuesday. “My teammates, this organization, because a lot of hard work has been put in and a lot of guys have put a lot of work in for us to be in a good spot as a team. I’m happy that I’m able to put this behind me. I’m looking forward to moving forward and continuing to build day-by-day with my guys.”
Smith also said he has had conversations with Jets coach Aaron Glenn, general manager Darren Mougey and his teammates about what transpired during the offseason.
“We have a tight brotherhood in this locker room, and it happened very quickly,” Jets linebacker Demario Davis said about Smith’s conversation with the team. “We set the precedent for that in OTAs, and we have a men’s fellowship group where guys are able to come in and be vulnerable and talk about whatever they have going on.
“We have a tight-knit brotherhood on this team. No one is operating in a silo on this team, and you need that. I think we are living in a time where people need spaces where they know they can trust others who are going to support and protect them the right way.”
Smith, 35, was originally selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft out of West Virginia. He spent his first four seasons with the Jets and started 30 games during that span. But his tenure with the team was filled with inconsistent performances and accuracy issues, and he eventually lost his starting job.
After leaving the Jets, Smith spent time with the Giants and Chargers, but it was with the Seahawks that he enjoyed his greatest success. He was selected to two Pro Bowls and won the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award after helping Seattle reach the playoffs.
However, Smith’s play has declined over the past two seasons. He has thrown an NFL-high 32 interceptions during that span, culminating in a difficult 2025 campaign after he was traded to the Raiders. He led the league in interceptions last season while finishing 31st in QBR.
In March, the Jets acquired Smith in a trade with the Raiders to stabilize their quarterback position after Justin Fields’ tenure ended in disappointment. They are hoping he resembles the quarterback from the 2022 and 2023 seasons, when he averaged 25 touchdown passes and just 10 interceptions.
On his Instagram Story on Monday, Smith appeared to address his critics by posting, “War ready” and “The internet > Real Life.”
“He’s proven that he’s a special talent,” Davis said. “To be able to be a starting quarterback in multiple places and have over a 10-year decade inside this game. Many quarterbacks are able to extend their career, but a lot of times, that’s from backup positions or veteran roles.
“I think what he brings here this time is just a level of wisdom and humility and focus. Not that he didn’t have that before, not it just jumps out at you. The confidence that he has in himself, the groundedness, the peace and that’s what you want in someone that’s going to be leading your team.”
Smith is in the final year of his contract with the Jets, who are responsible for paying just $3.3 million of his $19.5 million salary. Davis, who was teammates with Smith during his first stint with the Jets, believes the quarterback still has plenty left in the tank.
There has been speculation that the Jets will select a quarterback at some point in the 2027 NFL draft. They own three first-round picks — their own, one from the Sauce Gardner trade to the Colts and one from the Cowboys after trading Quinnen Williams at last season’s trade deadline.
Gang Green also selected Cade Klubnik, who has become a fan favorite since the moment he was drafted. But Smith isn’t focused on the future. He wants to put the best product on the field for the Jets in 2026.
“God has blessed me to be able to play this long and I view each and every opportunity,” Smith said. “Each and every day is a blessing. It’s truly a blessing and a gift from God. Every day I get a chance to go into this locker room with my teammates, step on that field with my teammates and be coached by great coaches. I’m truly humbled by it.
“So, I don’t look too far ahead. I know that there’s a lot of work to be done, and I’m extremely focused on making sure we do the right thing as far as the process goes and let everything else take care of itself, as I’ve always done.”
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