Overview
- A 50-person panel assembled by The Athletic ranked Smith No. 30 in its 2026 quarterback tiers, recording the largest year-over-year drop of any QB with an 11-spot fall from last year.
- Bleacher Report placed Smith at No. 29 and flagged his recent turnover problem, noting roughly 32 interceptions across the past two seasons as a major concern.
- Reports from Jets camp showed contrast over the weekend and early this week, with a near-flawless practice on Aug. 3 followed by interceptions and uneven 11-on-11 reps reported Aug. 3–4.
- Anonymous NFL coaches and executives blamed heavy pressure for some poor tape, saying Smith was repeatedly hit in games (one cited a 10-sack outing), and those evaluators were split with coaches grading him higher than some front-office voters.
- Smith is on a one-year, low-cost deal that keeps the Jets’ future options open, so the 2026 season is essentially an audition where improved protection and coaching could revive his career while another down year could end his run as a starter.