Geno Smith Explains Why He's Wearing Red Contact Lenses at Jets Training Camp

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith provided some insight Thursday into why he has been wearing red contact lenses during the team's training camp practices.

According to SNY's Connor Hughes, Smith said the lenses are something he's experimenting with in order to combat glare.

Smith noted that former Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes first made him aware of the potential benefits of the red contact lenses, and eye specialists later mentioned them to him as well.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Jets, the 35-year-old Smith is back for a second tour of duty with Gang Green.

After struggling for two seasons as the Jets' starting QB to open his career, Smith spent the next seven years primarily in a backup role.

He got his big break with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and delivered, as he went 27-22, while completing 68.5 percent of his passes for 12,226 yards, 71 touchdowns and 35 interceptions, and earning two Pro Bowl selections over his three years as Seattle's starter from 2022 to 2024.

Despite his success, the Seahawks decided to move on from Smith in favor of Sam Darnold, and that move paid dividends, as Seattle won its second Super Bowl title in franchise history last season.

As for Smith, he struggled through a nightmarish 2025 campaign as the Las Vegas Raiders' starter, going just 2-13 and completing 67.4 percent of his passing attempts for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and a league-high 17 interceptions.

The Raiders decided to use the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on quarterback Fernando Mendoza, which paved the way for them to trade Smith back to the Jets.

New York didn't get much out of the quarterback position last season, as Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook combined to throw for 2,777 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

That is likely the biggest reason why the Jets went 3-14 and missed the playoffs for a 15th consecutive season.

The expectation is that the Jets will select their franchise quarterback of the future in the 2027 NFL draft, but they needed a steady veteran to serve as a bridge between now and then.

New York's front office is banking on Smith being that guy, and he may have the talent around him that is needed to have a bounce-back season, headlined by running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.