Frank Reich Praises Geno Smith as Ideal Fit for Jets' Offense: 'Best Football Ahead'

Quarterback Geno Smith is set for a fresh start with the New York Jets in 2026, returning to the franchise that originally drafted him a decade ago. After a difficult 2025 season, Smith’s opportunity for redemption comes under new offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

Reich, who recently joined the Jets after a brief 12-week stint with the Carolina Panthers, expressed unwavering confidence in Smith during a Wednesday press conference.

Reich: Smith is a 'Perfect' Fit for Jets' Offense

“I've liked Geno from Day 1,” Reich said, referencing Smith’s time at West Virginia. “When he was coming out of West Virginia, I had a high grade on Geno. I had not met Geno before here, and I'm kind of glad because I'm even more impressed with him, now meeting him in person. I feel his resilience, his toughness—I always think the No. 1 attribute in any quarterback that you need, especially if you want to come and turn something around, is you need someone who's tough. I mean tough mentally, tough physically, and I feel that from Geno on every front.”

Reich emphasized Smith’s ability to lead through adversity, highlighting the quarterback’s experience navigating both highs and lows in the NFL.

“I think his experience, the ups and downs that he's been through, and he's had great success, and had to deal with some tough seasons, and if you play in this league long enough, everyone's going to face that. And if you are the person, if you're the right kind of leader, then you come out of it better, and I think that's the version of Geno Smith we're getting. We're getting the best version of who he is, and I think his best football's ahead of him.”

Smith’s NFL Resume and Jets’ 2026 Outlook

From 2021 to 2024, Smith started 52 games for the Seattle Seahawks, compiling a 28-24 record. During that span, he completed 68.5% of his passes for 12,928 yards, 76 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. If Smith builds on that production, the Jets could significantly improve their chances of success in 2026 under Reich’s offensive system.