Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum says the team could be competitive in 2026 despite recent accusations against quarterback Geno Smith of battering his ex‑girlfriend.
“We’re in the information‑gathering stage and will see how it unfolds; he’s been a good player for a long time,” Tannenbaum told The Post.
He added, “We’ll see how the process plays out, but I thought they’ve had a very good offseason,” while at the “Big Daddy” Celebrity Golf Classic on Long Island.
Smith’s ex‑girlfriend alleged on a 911 call that he “beat me up” at a house in Davie, Florida, earlier in June; police responded then and are still investigating the incident.
The former general manager, who guided the franchise from 2006 to 2012, expressed confidence that the Jets will conduct thorough due‑diligence checks across the front office, coaching staff, and security, allowing the process to “take care of itself.”
If Smith is cleared of the allegations, Tannenbaum predicts he will become a valuable offensive weapon.
Reflecting on his performance, Tannenbaum added, “I think when you look at how well he’s played the last year, notwithstanding, he could come in and play at a good level,” the former front‑office executive turned ESPN insider noted.
Smith posted a strong 2025 season with Las Vegas, throwing for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns before his March trade to the Jets, where he originally began his career (2013‑2016).
He said, “I think they’re moving in the right direction,” praising the “outstanding” offensive line anchored by tackles Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu.
“Show me your quarterback, I’ll show you a good offensive line. To me, it always starts there,” he observed.
He praised the Jets’ drafting approach, noting, “They’re building it the smart way for the long term.”
“To have three first‑round picks, arguably two years in a row, that is really, really rare,” Tannenbaum noted.
He added, “I think they brought back the right types of guys, like the Demario Davises of the world,” referring to the 37‑year‑old linebacker who is preparing for his third stint with the Jets.
Combining “great leaders” like Davis with “good young talent, guys like Garrett Wilson,” Tannenbaum believes, is the formula to finally get the Jets airborne.
“It doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “And sometimes you have to be patient.”
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