Quarterback Geno Smith will get the start in the New York Jets' second preseason game on Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told SNY's Connor Hughes.
Friday's game will mark Smith's debut for the Jets after he sat out the team's first preseason contest due to a sore ankle. New York had no concerns about the injury, and the veteran would have played through it in the regular season, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Smith is projected to be the Jets' starting quarterback when they face off against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. New York acquired him in March for a late-round pick swap.
The 35-year-old is coming off a disappointing lone season with the Las Vegas Raiders, posting a 2-13 record in 15 starts while throwing for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions. Among 33 qualifying signal-callers in 2025, Smith ranked 31st in EPA/dropback and 30th in passer rating, according to TruMedia.
Smith had a solid three-year run with the Seattle Seahawks from 2022 to 2024, completing over 68% of his passes for 12,226 yards and 71 touchdowns in 49 games.
Cade Klubnik, selected by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2026 draft, started the first preseason contest and is projected to be Smith's backup. Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook also played in last week's 24-16 loss to the Buccaneers.
