New York Jets fans were split on the team’s decision to bring Geno Smith back to be their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The former second-round pick by the team led the league in interceptions last season with the Las Vegas Raiders.

He also has 31 interceptions over the last two years combined, which includes his final year with the Seattle Seahawks.

Things have changed since Smith last went under center for the Jets, though. The once immature quarterback who found himself embroiled in a locker room scuffle became a respected leader.

For just a measly late-round selection, the Jets could have done a lot worse for their starting quarterback this season.

While fans remain skeptical, analysts across the league have begun celebrating the Jets’ acquisition — not just because of what Smith represents, but because of what he has overcome.

Analyst praises Jets QB room

NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger is pretty straightforward when bringing analysis to the table. When a player isn’t performing up to his potential, he’s going to come right out and say it.

In the case of Smith, Baldinger spoke on The Official Jets Podcast to detail that Smith’s struggles in Las Vegas had nothing to do with the quarterback, but instead, the talent around him.

“I was out there a couple of times, he was the leader,” Baldinger said. “You know, he played really well last year (67.4% completion percentage, 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions). I don’t know if any quarterback could have been successful. The offensive line fell apart (Smith was sacked a league-high 55 times). [They lost] their left tackle, lost their left guard. They were a disaster.”

It’s easy to see Baldinger’s case against the Raiders.

Vegas did not have a semblance of an offensive line or receiving core around Smith. When a quality arm like Smith does not have the talent around him to aid when times are tough, an organization gets the kind of year that the Raiders had.

The Jets don’t have that problem. They have a top receiver in Garrett Wilson and an up-and-coming offensive line with two stalwart tackles and one of the better young guards in the game.

Smith is walking into a much different situation than the one he just left. For the price of a late-round pick, the Jets know the kind of move they are making.

“It’s low risk, high reward,” Baldinger said. “It can be high reward.”

If it works out, the Jets will be able to save many jobs on the team and have a true bridge quarterback they can trust. If it doesn’t, then the organization will most likely be a top destination next season with a top overall pick to come.

Either way, Geno Smith’s future with the New York Jets should be viewed in a measured yet positive fashion.