Jets Weigh Geno Smith as Bridge Quarterback, Fueling Talk of a 2027 Arch Manning Bid

Overview

• - With free agency opening Wednesday, The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt is cited as viewing Geno Smith as an early favorite for a low-cost bridge role, with the Jets expected to sign multiple veterans to compete, per talkSPORT’s report.
• - New York sports writer Gary Myers suggested on X that signing Smith and Carson Wentz for 2026 would effectively point the Jets toward drafting Arch Manning in 2027.
• - The Jets went 3-14 in 2025, benched Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor, and are reported to be preparing to move on from Fields, leaving the depth chart unsettled heading into 2026.
• - Arch Manning returned to Texas for 2026 and is widely projected as a top 2027 NFL Draft pick after topping 3,000 passing yards in 2025.
• - EssentiallySports reports the Jets hold three first-round picks in 2027 and notes the franchise’s financial heft, factors that could provide flexibility to pursue a move up the board if needed.