The New York Jets’ 15-year playoff drought is precisely the reason they remain the NFL’s punchline.
It is the longest active drought among teams in all four of North America’s major sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL).
Fans are hoping that Geno Smith’s return to the Big Apple could spark a playoff appearance, or even just a competitive season. Forget the playoffs; this organization hasn’t won more than seven games since 2015, when Smith was a backup with the team.
Speaking to reporters at the Jets’ OTAs on Thursday, Smith emphasized how much it would mean for him to lead the team that drafted him back to the playoffs and snap a grueling drought.
“That’d be like a story and a movie, right?” Smith said. “It’s kind of like one of those superhero movies, but my life is based on reality. God has blessed me to play in the league this long and to have an opportunity to come back here. I’m very, very grateful for that, because they don’t come too often. These opportunities, you have to cherish them.”
The good news is that Smith has shown he can lead the Jets to a winning season. The question, however, is which version of Smith the Jets will get in 2026?
If he reverts to his form from his time with the Seattle Seahawks (2022-24), Gang Green should be in a nice position. Now, if he looks more like he did last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, it is a far different story.
For a multitude of reasons, though, the Jets seem to be the primary spot if he is going to get back to his level of play with the Seahawks.
His strengths align perfectly with Frank Reich’s play-calling tendencies, while he is playing against a strong offensive line and facing several viable pass catchers.
In Las Vegas, Smith didn’t have those three components on his side.
Now, in his return to New York, Smith is hoping to turn his “movie” quote into reality.
