NEW YORK — The New York Jets just acquired a 36-year-old Geno Smith for a sixth-round pick to lead head coach Aaron Glenn’s offense. Vegas oddsmakers immediately dropped the hammer, making New York the betting favorite to finish with the NFL’s worst record in 2026. That nightmare scenario guarantees them the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and a direct path to Texas quarterback Arch Manning. But fans packing the freezing MetLife Stadium stands should probably hold off on buying those jerseys.
The Manning family holds the ultimate veto power, and they know exactly how to use it.
The Jets have chased a franchise quarterback for decades. They missed on early picks, watched the Aaron Rodgers experiment expire, and now rely on Smith’s second stint in green and white to buy time. But if Woody Johnson’s front office believes tanking for Arch Manning is the ultimate fix, they face a brutal reality check. Legendary New York radio host Mike Francesa shut down the dream before the 2026 season even kicks off.
He knows how the Mannings operate. The family famously engineered Eli Manning’s escape from the San Diego Chargers in 2004. The Chargers selected Eli at No. 1 overall, only to ship him to the Giants 45 minutes later for Philip Rivers. Peyton Manning also actively avoided the Jets during his own draft process in 1998, opting to return to school for his senior year rather than play for a chaotic organization.
“I’m telling you right now, they will manipulate the draft. They will never let him get drafted by the Jets. You can take that to the bank. It’s not going to happen under any circumstances; that family will not allow it.”
— Mike Francesa, WFAN Radio Legend
Woody Johnson faces a massive problem. If the Jets completely collapse this season and secure the top pick, the off-field drama will overshadow the actual games. The Mannings protect their quarterbacks from unstable franchises.
If New York holds the top spot next April, expect Arch to either return to Texas for another season or force a blockbuster draft-day trade. The Jets must build a functional roster right now. Trading for a veteran like Smith gives them a temporary band-aid, but it does not fix a broken foundation. To lure a generational talent, the Jets need to prove they will not ruin his career. Until they do, top-tier prospects will find a way out.
