A homecoming that should have been hopeful… has already turned hostile.
Before Geno Smith even takes a snap, the backlash in New York is already exploding.

Geno Smith’s Return to the Jets Already Facing Backlash — and Some Fear It Could Turn Ugly

Geno Smith’s return to the New York Jets was supposed to be a fresh chapter.

Instead, it’s already turning into a controversy.

The veteran quarterback, acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in a recent trade, is expected to serve as the Jets’ bridge starter while the team rebuilds its roster and looks ahead to future drafts.

But before Smith has even stepped onto the field, criticism from fans and media has started pouring in—and one former NFL star believes the situation could quickly spiral out of control.

Carl Banks Warns of a “Disaster” Waiting to Happen

Former New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks didn’t hold back when discussing Smith’s return during his Bleav in Giants podcast.

Banks believes the reaction from Jets fans has been harsh—and potentially damaging.

“What is happening with Geno Smith… Jets fans are just not happy with him,” Banks said. “Some of the stuff that’s being said—people are calling him a bum.”

Banks argued that the criticism ignores the fact that Smith has completely rebuilt his career since leaving New York years ago.

After struggling early in his career with the Jets, Smith revived his reputation during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, where he:

Made two Pro Bowls
Won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022
Became one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks for several seasons

Yet none of that seems to matter to some Jets fans.

“They’ve skipped the judge and jury parts and gone straight to executioner,” Banks said.

A Complicated History With the Jets

Smith’s relationship with the Jets has always been complicated.

Drafted by New York in 2013, Smith experienced one of the most unusual controversies in NFL history during his time with the team.

In 2015, he famously had his jaw broken by a teammate during a locker room altercation, an incident that essentially ended his starting tenure with the franchise.

His later stint with the New York Giants also produced headlines after he controversially replaced Eli Manning for one start in 2017.

Eventually, Smith moved west and rebuilt his career with Seattle.

But his most recent season—after being traded to the Raiders—was far less successful. He threw 17 interceptions in 15 games, the highest total in the league.

Now, the quarterback finds himself back where his career began.

And the reception hasn’t been warm.

The Trade That Sparked the Reaction

The Jets acquired Smith in a relatively low-risk deal, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Smith and a seventh-round pick.

For a team desperate for stability at quarterback, the move seemed logical.

But the reaction from fans suggests many were hoping for something more exciting.

Banks believes that negativity could become a serious problem if it continues.

“It’s a tough situation to walk back into when your fans don’t want you,” he said. “How is that even tenable?”

Pressure Already Mounting

The Jets’ quarterback position has been one of the most unstable in the NFL for years.

That instability has created enormous pressure on anyone who steps into the role.

Smith now returns to New York carrying not only the expectations of a struggling franchise—but also the emotional baggage of his past with the team.

“It’s not an easy place to play,” Banks said. “The Jets are not a good football team. And he’s starting with a big anvil over his head from the fan base.”

For Smith, the challenge will be proving he can overcome both the criticism and the memories tied to his first stint in New York.

A Chance for Redemption

Despite the skepticism, Banks believes Smith still deserves a fair opportunity.

The quarterback has already demonstrated that he can succeed in the NFL after adversity.

And if he manages to silence the doubters in New York, his return to the Jets could become one of the most surprising redemption stories of the season.

But for now, the situation remains tense.

Smith hasn’t thrown a single pass for the Jets yet.

And already, the pressure is enormous.