TheNew York Jets have heard plenty of opinions about their quarterback situation since reacquiring Geno Smith in March. The latest wasn't particularly flattering.
CBS Sports recently rankedthe NFL's five best and five worst quarterback rooms entering the 2026 season. You can see where this is headed, right?
CBS Sports placed the Jets second among the league's bottom five. Only the Cleveland Browns were ranked lower. However, the rating, came with an important distinction.
CBS Sports acknowledged that Smith's 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders was difficult. The veteran quarterback led the NFL in sacks taken (55) and interceptions (17) while posting a 2-13 record as a starter. Those numbers understandably raised questions about whether the 35-year-old
can still lead a winning offense.
At the same time, the outlet pointed to circumstances that could produce a much different outcome in New York.
Smith steps into a more favorable environment with an improved offensive line and a supporting cast that includes Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and rookies Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq.
"Geno Smith is back in New York, and actually became the first quarterback to return to his original draft team since Fran Tarkenton in 1972, according to CBS Sports Research... However, Smith went from one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL to one of the toughest to watch last season... The Jets also have fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik from Clemson, Brady Cook, who went 0-4 as a starter last season with 2 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and Western Kentucky legend Bailey Zappe."
The Jets QB depth fuels the skepticism
CBS Sports also examined the rest of the quarterback room. While each brings intriguing qualities, none has yet established himself as a proven long-term NFL option.
Whether that assessment proves accurate won't be decided before training camp. The Jets don't necessarily need one of the league's deepest quarterback rooms. They need Smith to play the way he did before his difficult season in Las Vegas.
If he does, this ranking could quickly become one of those preseason predictions that looks outdated by the end of the year. He has placed recent legal trouble behind him, making him free to focus on football, andhis coaching staff believes in him.
If Smith validates that confidence, this could be a fun Jets season. Fingers are crossed around a loyal but long-suffering fan base.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets' Geno Smith does not fair well in recent 2026 NFL QB rankings
