Ryan Fitzpatrick Calls Geno Smith Jets Return Like a Hollywood Script

Geno Smith has returned to the New York Jets for the 2026 NFL season, marking a second stint with the franchise that drafted him in the second round out of West Virginia. According to former teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick, the veteran quarterback is bringing a completely different level of stability and professionalism to a locker room that has desperately craved veteran leadership for years.

A Hollywood Script Reunion in New York

During his initial two-season stint as the Jets’ starter, Smith went 11-18 before an infamous 2015 locker room punch sidelined him and paved the way for Fitzpatrick to take over under center. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Fitzpatrick described the quarterback’s return as like a Hollywood script that you wouldn’t even believe.

Demario Davis is back, too. I have a couple of teammates that are back there. But I think the one thing they’ve been craving for years now is leadership, and hopefully Geno’s able to come in and provide that, Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital, while also highlighting his apparel partnership with VRST, the men’s activewear brand from DICK’S Sporting Goods.

Career Path From Backup to Pro Bowler

Following his departure from New York, Smith carved out a lengthy career as a reliable backup across the NFL. He spent time with the New York Giants, where he started one game in 2017 to snap Eli Manning’s streak of 210 consecutive starts, and later served as a backup to Russell Wilson with the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks.

Smith earned his major career breakthrough in the Pacific Northwest during the 2022 season after Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. Taking over as the Seahawks’ starter, Smith won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, earned two Pro Bowl selections, and threw for over 4,300 yards during the 2024 campaign. After a subsequent one-and-done season with the Las Vegas Raiders where he reunited with head coach Pete Carroll, the Jets traded for Smith in March for a sixth-round draft pick.

Building an Offense Under Frank Reich

Back in New York, Smith steps into an offense coordinated by Frank Reich with several notable playmakers at his disposal. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson recorded three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons after being drafted in 2022 before injuries hampered his production in 2025.

The roster also features running back Breece Hall, who remains a central figure in the rushing attack and a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield despite working through a groin injury. The franchise added further offensive depth by spending two of their three first-round draft picks on Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., while drafting Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey second overall.

The biggest thing he’s gonna provide is stability and professionalism. I think it’s cool for some of the people in the building who were there with Geno in his younger days to see him come back and see how much he’s grown as a person, as a player, Fitzpatrick stated regarding Smith’s evolution.