The Jets top target in the quarterback market this offseason is Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That is pretty much a given at this point. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr seems to be Plan B (or even a 1B to Rodgers’ 1A). But could Geno Smith actually be on the table too?
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer shared some nuggets heading into this week’s Scouting Combine and talked about the Jets’ quarterback situation. One note he mentioned was that the Jets told Carr they are exploring options and are waiting on a decision from Rodgers regarding whether or not he’ll play next season and if the Packers are willing to trade him.
Breer also notes that “it’s not Rodgers or bust” for the Jets. They’re looking at all options including Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Tannehill and even Geno Smith or even “luring Daniel Jones from across town.”
Smith had a career resurgence in 2022 with the Seahawks. He helped guide the Seahawks to nine wins and a trip to the playoffs in a season many thought Seattle would be competing for the No. 1 pick in the draft — though thanks to Denver, the Seahawks still ended up with the No. 5 pick.
Smith also was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. It is worth mentioning that Smith’s quarterbacks coach Dave Canales is now the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers.
Would Smith want to return to the Jets if he doesn’t re-sign with Seattle? He’s mentioned he would like to return to the Seahawks. At least if he does come back to the Jets, he’d have a very good weapon in Garrett Wilson to throw to (no disrespect to Eric Decker, Percy Harvin and Jeremy Kerley).
That said, Smith is probably something like a Plan E for the Jets after the presumed (in some people’s opinions) top four of Rodgers, Carr, Garoppolo and Tannehill. Still, it’s very interesting to see that Smith is being mentioned by some, especially a reporter as prominent as Breer, as a possible candidate for the Jets.
