Last month, we broke down why Arian Smith shouldn’t be guaranteed a spot on the New York Jets’ roster for the 2026 season.

Things have changed since then. It is fair to make the case that the former fourth-round pick is in a stronger position to make Gang Green’s 53-man roster.

Why Smith is in a better position to make the Jets’ roster

Since we last analyzed Smith’s status with the team, there has been movement in the back end of the Jets’ wide receiver room. Irv Charles was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks while the team also released Quentin Skinner.

Following those moves, here is a look at where the Jets currently stand at WR.

  • Garrett Wilson
  • Omar Cooper Jr.
  • Adanai Mitchell
  • Isaiah Williams
  • Arian Smith
  • Tim Patrick
  • Jamaal Pritchett
  • DT Sheffield (UDFA)
  • Jalen Walthall (UDFA)
  • Malik McClain (UDFA)
  • Caulin Lacy (UDFA)

At this juncture, it would be surprising to see one of the Jets’ UDFAs make the roster. Unless they put on a show throughout training camp and the preseason, it would be stunning to see them on the Jets’ final 53.

Wilson, Cooper Jr., Mitchell, Williams, and Patrick all appear to be locks to make the Jets’ final 53. The final spot appears to be coming down to Pritchett and Smith, assuming the team rolls with six receivers.

That pretty much limits competition to the final spot between Smith and Pritchett. While Pritchett was an excellent returner last preseason, the Jets likely have their primary kick and punt returners locked up for the 2026 season: Williams and Kene Nwangwu.

While Smith caught just seven passes for 52 yards and zero touchdowns throughout 16 games last season, he showed promise on special teams. Across 54 special teams snaps, he logged three tackles (zero misses) and a 78.1 grade from Pro Football Focus.

Now, entering 2026, the hope is that he can develop into a far more impactful player on the offensive side of the ball. Ultimately, Smith has a more tantalizing offensive ceiling than Pritchett, which gives him a leg up.

Despite his lack of production, Smith displayed plenty of separation on film. If he were thrown to when open, fans might be having different conversations about him today.

Geno Smith’s deep accuracy makes him the perfect quarterback to unlock the Georgia product.

Barring a disastrous summer, it appears Arian Smith may be on track to earn a roster spot in 2026 despite an invisible rookie campaign.