Raiders trade Geno Smith: NY Jets updated draft picks in 2026

A few days ago, it was revealed that the Las Vegas Raiders would release Geno Smith. However, the New York Jets stepped in to trade for him, and their 2026 NFL Draft picks have now shifted significantly with the move.

The 2026 offseason has been wild. Several high-profile names have changed clubs for the upcoming campaign, but few stories are as compelling as Geno Smith returning to the franchise where his NFL career began.

On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that the Jets have acquired Geno Smith via trade with the Raiders. New York sent a 2026 selection to Las Vegas while acquiring the quarterback and a seventh-round pick. Here are the Jets’ updated picks in 2026.

• Round 1: #2 Overall
• Round 1: #16 Overall
• Round 2: #33 Overall
• Round 2: #44 Overall
• Round 4: #103 Overall
• Round 4: #140 Overall
• Round 5: #179 Overall
• Round 6: #194 Overall
• Round 7: #218 Overall
• Round 7: #219 Overall
• Round 7: #242 Overall

Why the Jets traded for Geno Smith

Geno Smith is returning to where it all started for him in 2013. However, many fans are wondering why the Jets traded for him instead of waiting for the quarterback to become a free agent.

According to Tom Pelissero, the Jets agreed to send a sixth-round pick to the Raiders for the quarterback because Las Vegas will be paying the bulk of Smith’s salary to facilitate the trade. This allows New York to acquire the QB while paying only slightly over the league minimum.

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NY Jets’ cap space situation and what comes next: How much flexibility do they have in 2026?

Essentially, if the Jets had waited for Geno Smith to hit free agency, they would have had to offer him a more lucrative deal than they will pay under these circumstances. Furthermore, they avoided the risk of Smith receiving better offers from other quarterback-needy teams.

New York Jets updated quarterback depth with Geno Smith

Following the trade, Smith is set to become the QB1, with both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor poised to be released. Meanwhile, Brady Cook and Hendon Hooker will battle for the backup role in 2026.

However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the Jets’ draft approach. Holding the second-overall pick—and with the Raiders widely expected to select Fernando Mendoza at No. 1—the Jets could have targeted Ty Simpson. Yet, Smith’s arrival may prompt the club to use that high capital on a different prospect, such as Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese.