Kevin O'Connell Geno Smith
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ESPN's Jeremy Fowler called Kevin O'Connell and the Minnesota Vikings potentially landing quarterback Geno Smith something that "makes a lot of sense."
While discussing the latest Minnesota Vikings quarterback rumblings from the NFL combine, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano mentioned nine different signal-callers of interest who could be available this offseason. But Fowler emphasized one as a potential target a little bit more than the others — Geno Smith.
While acquiring Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa would bring bigger headlines, Fowler sees Smith as arguably just as good of a fit in Minnesota this offseason.
“Smith possibly joining the Vikings has been underplayed as a pairing in league circles, but it makes a lot of sense,” Fowler wrote on Sunday. “He’s due $18.5 million in 2026 guarantees but has another $8 million that guarantees on the third day of the new league year. He also offers ‘bridge QB’ cover if the team doesn’t want to bail on McCarthy and show a true QB competition, even if veiled.”
Smith struggled in his first season with the Las Vegas Raiders last year. The veteran quarterback led the team to a 2-13 record with a league-leading 17 interceptions.
But Smith posted winning records each of the prior three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2022, which was his first year as a starter in Seattle, Smith won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award.
During 2022, Smith completed an NFL-high 69.8% of his passes. He also threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
Why Geno Smith Could Fit With Seahawks
With the Vikings seemingly casting a wide net to acquire another quarterback this offseason, it’s not a secret the organization is looking to add competition for J.J. McCarthy.
Graziano made clear Sunday the Vikings are not giving up on McCarthy. But he has underwhelmed as the No. 10 overall pick from 2024.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season because of a knee injury. He led the Vikings to a 6-4 mark last year but severely struggled while in and out of the lineup because of injuries.
If the Vikings want to add the best quarterback possible, Murray or Tagovailoa are better targets than Smith. Others such as Anthony Richardson Sr., Tanner McKee and Davis Mills could have more long-term upside as well.
But with Smith, the Vikings would be adding an experienced starter who could also serve as a backup if McCarthy shows improvement throughout the offseason.
Smith could be a great mentor for McCarthy as well. Smith failed as a second-round pick with the New York Jets from 2013-16. He bounced around the league to a couple different teams before getting his next starter opportunity nearly a decade later.
Smith is 42-56 as a starter in his career. He has completed 65.2% of his passes while averaging 7.1 yards per pass. He also has 124 passing touchdowns with 89 interceptions in 109 games.
Raiders, Smith Set to Part Ways?
As it is with a lot of potential quarterback targets for the Vikings, though, the question with Smith is whether he will be available.
Las Vegas owns the No. 1 overall pick. That’s led pundits to speculate the Raiders will part ways with Smith
Graziano, though, cast doubt on that possibility.
“Multiple coaches from teams looking to add a QB told me that they were eager to see whether the Raiders would release Smith because they thought his tape from last season suggested he was held back by the Raiders’ offensive system,” Graziano wrote. “The Raiders are expected to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the draft, but they’re telling people they’d rather not play a rookie QB in Week 1.
“So, because they have to pay Smith anyway, they could keep him and start him until Mendoza is ready. If they part ways, there will be interest in Smith.”
Whether the Vikings pursue Smith could depend on the Raiders asking price. What other quarterbacks will be available, potentially in free agency, is another factor.
Murray and Tagovailoa could both be free agents. It doesn’t sound as though Smith will reach the open market this offseason.
Smith is under contract through the 2027 NFL season. According to Spotrac, he has a $26.5 million cap hit this year.