There are mixed feelings about New York Jets QB Geno Smith as he returns to the Big Apple, looking to revive his career right where it all started.
Some are optimistic regarding the signal-caller, believing he can be the Jets’ most competent quarterback in a decade. On the other hand, some folks feel that he is on the decline of his career, entering his age-36 season after leading the NFL in interceptions last season.
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo recently ranked quarterbacks by tiers, with Smith in the “holdovers and placeholders” category alongside Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jacoby Brissett.
“After a nightmarish 2025 season, Smith still managed to land another starting opportunity in the Big Apple, where his NFL career started. It’s safe to say, though, that Smith’s starting days will be in the rearview mirror if this season mirrors what happened in Las Vegas,” wrote DeArdo.
Is Smith’s placement justified?
As much as I’ve advocated for Smith and logically laid out why he could return to the prime form that he displayed with the Seahawks, it’s hard to dispute this ranking.
Even if he is as good as he was with Seattle, which would be a massive win for the Jets, the team would still most likely draft a QB with their top selection in the 2027 NFL draft. Given that, he firmly fits the bill as a “placeholder,” as DeArdo listed him.
At the end of the day, Smith is still about to turn 36 and most likely nearing the final years of his career. That isn’t to say he can’t be highly productive or one of the Jets’ best QBs in recent years, but rather an indication that he isn’t the team’s long-term answer, which is obvious.
Overall, Smith’s ranking is completely sensible.
