Geno Smith (Getty Images)

Former New York Jets quarterback, Geno Smith, will not be leaving the tri-state area and will still be playing at MetLife Stadium, but will be wearing a different uniform. The New York Giants signed Smith to a one-year, $2 million contract after Smith passed his physical at the team facility on Monday.

Smith is coming of a 2016 season with the Jets where he was the backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick before starting two games, where he then tore his ACL against the Baltimore Ravens. In his career, Smith has a 12-18 record, completing 501 of 866 attempts for 5,962 yards, 28 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.

What led to Smith deciding to sign with the Giants as a backup? Smith is looking to enhance his stock in the quarterback market by playing for the Giants, as well as learn from head coach Ben McAdoo and quarterback Eli Manning.

“I think the opportunity to learn from (quarterbacks) coach (Frank) Cignetti, coach (Ben) McAdoo, and to be alongside Eli (Manning) and learn from him, a two-time Super Bowl champion and, in my opinion, a Hall of Fame quarterback,” said Smith. “I think it will work out tremendously for me. And it’s also an opportunity to be on a real good team, a winning team, get healthy – it’s just a perfect scenario for me. I couldn’t have written it up any better myself.”

“Geno has a great, positive attitude, and he’s looking forward to learning and competing in our QB room,” said Giants general manager Jerry Reese.

As a member of the Jets, Smith didn’t really have that veteran quarterback to take notes from. Smith was thrown to the wolves in his rookie season after then-quarterback Mark Sanchez tore his ACL in 2013. Now, Smith has the chance to shadow Manning and learn as much as he can from him.

“I want to carry my notepad around and whatever I see Eli doing, whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, I want to write it down,” said Smith. “Because he’s a guy you can model yourself after. If you learn from a guy like that, we can all do better.”

The main concern heading into contract negotiations was the status of Smith’s surgically repaired knee. The physical showed that it has healed substantially enough to sign Smith. With this signing, Smith can learn from a future Hall of Fame quarterback and could potentially earn a shot at a starting job with another team at the end of the season. Regardless, Smith is looking forward to his time to potentially have the opportunity to win a Super Bowl with the Giants.

“I have tons of good football ahead,” said Smith. “The key is just staying healthy. If I can just stay healthy, the future is pretty bright. But I just look forward to this year and having an opportunity to get healthy and learn and become a better quarterback.”