Jets OTAs: Geno Smith, three first-rounders, and a backup QB question with no answer yet
New York starts organized team activities with a new offensive coordinator, a 35-year-old starting quarterback coming off 32 interceptions in two seasons, and the highest-drafted defensive player in franchise history.
The Jets start OTAs on Wednesday with new offensive coordinator Frank Reich, a quarterback entering his age-35 season, and three first-round picks on a roster that managed just 40 plays of 20-plus yards last season - second-fewest in the NFL. Ten voluntary practices before mandatory minicamp on June 16.
What does the Geno Smith offense look like under Reich?
Reich favors 11 personnel - one running back, one tight end, three receivers - with heavy shotgun and no-huddle packages. The Jets added four pass catchers who ran 4.4 seconds or faster in the 40: tight end Kenyon Sadiq, receiver Omar Cooper Jr., Garrett Wilson, and Adonai Mitchell. Reich said his approach will 'accentuate what the players do best' while keeping the running game central. Smith is 35 and coming off a stretch where he threw 32 interceptions over two seasons, the most in the league. The plan is to put him in rhythm situations and let the speed around him create separation before coverage rotations can adjust.
Who backs up Geno Smith?
The Jets haven't signed a veteran backup. Fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe are competing through OTAs, with Klubnik the most interesting of the group after a strong rookie camp. If none of them separate themselves, the Jets retain the option to bring in a free agent - Russell Wilson remains available - before training camp. It's an unusual situation for a team with genuine playoff ambitions.
Which rookies play right away?
Edge rusher David Bailey went second overall - the highest-drafted defensive player in Jets history - and is expected to start immediately despite questions about his run-defense footprint at the college level. Kenyon Sadiq should see meaningful snaps at tight end in Reich's system. Omar Cooper Jr. will compete for a slot role. Cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, a second-round pick, is pushing for the starting nickelback job and was praised by coaches at rookie camp.
Who's fighting for a roster spot?
Safety Andre Cisco, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, edge rusher Braiden McGregor, and receiver Arian Smith are the names most often mentioned as players whose roles shrink with the new additions. Linebacker Jamien Sherwood has guaranteed money remaining but needs a bounce-back season to stay in the rotation. The three first-round picks compress the roster in a way that benefits depth but creates real competition at the bottom.
How is Aaron Glenn handling Year 2 expectations?
Glenn finished 3-14 in his first season. He's described by players as intense - edge rusher David Bailey noted he's 'intense on the field' - and has leaned into the self-reflection that follows a losing year rather than deflecting it. New coordinators on both sides of the ball mean the scheme looks different. Glenn's 2026 standing largely depends on whether the first-round haul translates quickly and whether Smith stabilizes the turnover numbers.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Answering five questions ahead of OTAs for the Jets
New York Jets betting odds
Super Bowl futures, win totals & where to bet
21+ and present in a state where legal. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. We may earn a commission.
