Former Seahawks QB Legend Signs Record-Breaking Deal with Jets After Failed Return to "Home" – The Reason Behind It Moves Seahawks Fans to Tears

After a failed attempt to return to Seattle, former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has officially signed a record-breaking contract with the New York Jets. Although Smith resurrected his career in Seattle, his attempt to return to his former team fell short, leaving Seahawks fans heartbroken.

A Failed Return to "Home"

Text from a pumped #Jets QB Geno Smith: "Complete full circle moment back to where it all began. I’m excited to connect with my new teammates and coaches and everyone in the building as well as build a new relationship with the fan base and community."

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2026

Smith, 35, had a rollercoaster career after being selected in the 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Jets. While he was initially seen as a promising prospect, his time in New York did not go as planned. After spending several years as a backup, Smith revived his career in Seattle after Russell Wilson was traded in 2022. His success with the Seahawks earned him the Comeback Player of the Year award, but things changed after Seattle traded him to the Las Vegas Raiders.

“My heart will always belong to Seattle. It’s where I truly found myself as a player and as a person. I wanted to come back, but sometimes the game doesn’t work out the way you expect. I’ll forever be grateful for my time in Seattle.”

The 2025 season with the Raiders didn’t go as hoped, with only 3 wins and 17 interceptions. The primary reason Smith couldn’t return to Seattle was the Raiders’ failure to find a trade partner before the new NFL league year began.

Record-Breaking Deal with Jets

After a disappointing season in Las Vegas, Smith signed a two-year, $75 million deal with the Jets. He joins a quarterback room that includes Justin Fields, and is expected to bring stability and experience to the team. This move marks a major turning point in Smith’s career, as he gets the opportunity to prove himself once again at the place where it all started.

Geno Smith’s Notable Achievements

Smith has had a career full of ups and downs, but his recent achievements cannot be overlooked. He led the NFL in completion percentage at 69.8% in 2022, earning him the Comeback Player of the Year award. In that season, Smith threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns, a standout performance that helped him earn back-to-back Pro Bowl selections. Additionally, Smith led the Seahawks to the playoffs, impressing with his accuracy and steady leadership.

The Reason Behind It That Moves Seahawks Fans to Tears

Although Smith had great success with the Seahawks, fans couldn’t help but feel the pain of losing him. The Seahawks community still cherishes the unforgettable moments when Smith led the team to the playoffs and earned a Pro Bowl selection. His departure left a huge void, and his inability to return “home” left fans deeply emotional. While they understand that this may be the end of an era for a Seahawks legend, they still hope that Geno Smith will continue to deliver remarkable performances with the Jets moving forward.