Vikings, Jets top Geno Smith landing spots after Raiders release

Jacob Camenker, USA TODAYFri, March 6, 2026 at 6:07 PM UTC

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Geno Smith's time with the Las Vegas Raiders has come to an end after one season. The Raiders are set to release the 35-year-old quarterback ahead of the new league year, according to multiple reports.

Smith's lone season with the Raiders was forgettable. He led the team to just a 2-13 record while completing 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and a league-high 17 interceptions.

Smith was also sacked a league-high 55 times and posted an 82.4 passer rating, which ranked 35th among 42 qualified quarterbacks for the 2025 NFL season.

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Despite Smith's struggles, he is expected to draw interest on the free agent market. He was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2023 and didn't have much talent to work with in Las Vegas, especially at the receiver position.

As such, several teams could bank on the veteran enjoying a bounce-back year in better circumstances than he faced in Las Vegas.

Which teams would be the best fits for Smith? Below is a look at a handful of teams that could target the 12-year veteran as he prepares to hit the open market.

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Geno Smith landing spotsMinnesota Vikings

The Vikings are expected to add a veteran quarterback to challenge J.J. McCarthy. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported March 1 that the Vikings were "considering" Smith – along with Kyler Murray – as they evaluate their options at the quarterback position.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has had success working alongside veteran quarterbacks during his time in Minnesota. He may be willing to take a chance on Smith returning to form while working with a supporting cast that is significantly better than what he had with the Raiders last season.

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New York Jets

Smith returning to the Jets would be quite a whirlwind. He spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Jets, enduring a plethora of lowlights – including breaking his jaw after being punched by teammate IK Enemkpali and losing his starting job while recovering from the injury – and posting a 12-18 record as a starter.

Still, it has been nearly a decade since Smith's initial stint with the Jets ended, and New York is in the market for a veteran quarterback. The team could turn to the 35-year-old veteran to lead its Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall-led offense, which would allow New York to take a measured approach to drafting a young quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are moving on from Murray, so they will be in the market for a veteran quarterback. Jacoby Brissett remains under contract, and new coach Mike LaFleur has ties to Jimmy Garoppolo from their time together with the Los Angeles Rams, but Smith is another option Arizona could consider.

Smith enjoyed the best seasons of his career under the tutelage of Shane Waldron, who came from the Rams and was versed in Sean McVay's offense. LaFleur spent the last three seasons as Los Angeles' offensive coordinator, so perhaps Smith could envision himself having similar success in the desert.

Los Angeles Rams

Smith could also just join McVay straight up, if he so desires. Los Angeles may need a new backup quarterback behind Matthew Stafford with Garoppolo set to be a free agent, and Smith has the proven track record many contenders covet when assessing the position.

Signing with the Rams would involve Smith resigning himself to being a backup quarterback. It isn't clear whether he would be open to such an arrangement if potential starting opportunities exist, but it can't be ruled out.

Atlanta Falcons

Smith's fit in Atlanta is similar to his in Minnesota. He could come in to challenge a young quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., and serve as an experienced mentor if he can't win the starting job.

It's also worth noting Penix is coming off a torn ACL. The 2024 first-round pick has a history of knee injuries, so the Falcons may be cautious as they try to bring him back. That could open the door for Smith to begin the season as the starting quarterback before eventually making way for Penix.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Geno Smith landing spots, best fits after Raiders release

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