Jets' Geno Smith Reveals Bold Expectations Ahead of NFL Season
The New York Jets made the big decision to bring back their former quarterback, Geno Smith, for the 2026-27 NFL season as they attempt to improve on a string of disappointing seasons.
Smith is heading into his 13th season as a pro, having earned two Pro Bowls while playing for the Seattle Seahawks. His return to the Jets comes after spending the first four seasons of his career there.
He joins a squad that went 3-14 last season, mostly with Justin Fields as their starting QB. The expectation is that Smith will give them a much-improved offense and, therefore, a better record. Can they end a 16-year playoff drought?
Smith seems to have a very strong belief in this Jets roster ahead of their attempt to regain some footing in the AFC East.
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“Me being in the league as long as I’ve been, I understand that you can only focus on what’s right in front of you, and that’s being in the moment, staying in the moment,” Smith told reporters. “We want to be the best team in the world. You know, I don’t feel shy about saying that.”
That jaw-dropping statement arrives as the Jets have a wins total set at 5.5 for their upcoming season. The over carries stronger odds, suggesting they could win six or more games. Still, that’s not necessarily the best team in the world.
They’re still playing in a division featuring two heavyweight contenders, the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots. The Jets’ schedule also looks challenging. Among their early opponents are the NFC North’s Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears.
They’ll also face stiff competition that includes Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, and Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
The Jets have some reasons for optimism, based on offseason moves. They included a trade with the Miami Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a trade with the Tennessee Titans for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat.
Along with that, they held a high pick in the first round of the NFL Draft and added the best defensive player available at No. 2 with edge rusher David Bailey. He could make an immediate impact on defense.
Smith comes in from one bad team to another, having spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. He is likely doing his best to fire up his teammates as they prepare for the season ahead. He knows that if they can adopt a winning mindset early, it might translate into success in their games.
He and the Jets realize that improving upon a three-win season isn’t a tall task, so they might as well dream bigger when it comes to the overall expectations they have.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 10:46 PM.