Kevin O'Connell Geno Smith
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The Athletic's Alec Lewis floated released quarterback Geno Smith as a potential Minnesota Vikings free agent target.
While one NFL insider has the Minnesota Vikings signing Kyler Murray this offseason, another potential Vikings target for behind center reached the open market Friday — Geno Smith.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis explained, minutes after Smith’s release from the Las Vegas Raiders, why the Vikings could pursue the veteran quarterback. Lewis also added that the veteran signal-caller “thinks very highly” of the potential chance to play in Minnesota.
“Just like the Kyler news earlier this week, this is relevant to the Vikings,” Lewis wrote on X in reaction to Smith’s release. “Can sign for the $1.3 million minimum.
“Geno, like most of these available QBs, thinks very highly of the Vikings opportunity.”
Just like the Kyler news earlier this week, this is relevant to the Vikings. Can sign for the $1.3 million minimum. Geno, like most of these available QBs, thinks very highly of the Vikings opportunity. https://t.co/4AUGqiko4c
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) March 6, 2026
Multiple NFL insiders reported Friday morning the Raiders are releasing Smith. The veteran quarterback spent one season with Las Vegas, who acquired him in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks last March.
How much faith the Vikings still have in 2025 starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy will likely greatly impact which signal-caller Minnesota signs this offseason.
But obviously, the more choices, the better. Smith is another option officially on the market.
Over his 12-year NFL career, Smith has made $107.46 million according to Spotrac.
Why the Vikings Could Pursue QB Geno Smith
Smith started his career as a second-round pick for the New York Jets in 2013. After going 12-18 as a starter with the Jets, including 3-10 in 2014, the team didn’t bring him back after his rookie contract expired.
Over the next five years, Smith bounced around the league as a backup. But he took advantage of his next opportunity to start with the Seahawks in 2022. During that season, he led the league with a 69.8% completion percentage and threw for 4,282 yards.
Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023. He posted winning records with the Seahawks as well from 2022-24.
The Raiders acquired him last offseason for a 2025 third-round pick.
Things went badly with the Raiders, but Smith could be a serviceable starter against for another team.
In Minnesota, Smith could be serious competition for McCarthy, who disappointed in his first year as a starter during 2025. The Vikings could have the two quarterbacks compete for the starting job during the preseason. Meanwhile, Smith could be a mentor for McCarthy no matter which signal-caller ultimately starts.
Smith will turn 36 years old during the 2026 season. He could fit as a starter or backup next season, which is why he’s a great match for the Vikings to pair with McCarthy.
Smith could be cheap too. According to Spotrac, the Raiders will pay Smith $18.5 million in 2026 even though the team released him.
Because Smith is already receiving that salary, the Vikings could try to sign the quarterback for league minimum.