Former Jets quarterback Geno Smith has an agreement in place to join the Giants and compete to become Eli Manning's backup quarterback, a source confirmed Friday for The Record. The expectation is that Smith will take a physical at some point this weekend and if all goes well, he will sign his contract and the deal will become official early next week.
The Giants also re-signed veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, who spent much of last season backing up Manning.
Smith, 26, started one game for the Jets in place of Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2016 but tore the ACL in his right knee in that game. Smith has completed 57.9 percent of his passes for 5,962 yards, 28 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He has good size and is a good athlete with a strong arm, but inaccuracy has led to turnovers and questions about his decision making.
With the Giants, the issue is not whether Smith can emerge as an option to one day become Manning's successor. If he can prove to be a more versatile backup than Ryan Nassib and Johnson, then Giants brass could determine Smith is an attractive addition at the right price.
