NFL free agency is just days away, and there is surely going to be a flurry of activity with players changing teams. And while there will be eyes all over the place, the quarterback market is certainly going to draw a great deal of attention.
But while analysts, fans, and NFL teams will be watching to see where players like Malik Willis and Kyler Murray end up, some franchises may be looking to some of their former quarterbacks to play for them again.
Indeed, there are several NFL teams that have a long-term plan in place at the quarterback position, but need a bridge quarterback to bridge a gap in the meantime.
1. The New York Jets could sign Geno Smith
NFL free agency, Geno Smith, New York Jets
Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass during the pregame warmups for their game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier today, it was reported that the Las Vegas Raiders are going to release former Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith when the new league year begins. This adds yet another intriguing arm to the NFL free agency pool, and one that may garner a bit of interest around the league.
One team that may be interested in Smith is his original team, the New York Jets. Selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Smith played four disappointing years in New York. During that time, he had a 57.9% completion percentage, 5,962 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 36 interceptions, and a passer rating of 72.4.
In the years since he left, though, Smith has made two Pro Bowls while amassing a 68.2% completion percentage, 15,994 passing yards, 95 touchdowns, 53 interceptions, and a passer rating of 93.5.
Obviously, Smith is not a long-term answer for the Jets, but he could spend a year or two back at his old haunts while they identify their next young franchise quarterback.
2. The Minnesota Vikings could bring back Kirk Cousins
When his career is all said and done, Kirk Cousins will be remembered most for his years with the Minnesota Vikings. This could be even more true if he ends it there, after they famously passed over him in favor of Sam Darnold (whom they also passed over in favor of JJ McCarthy).
Despite all the money left on his deal, Cousins is set to be released by the Atlanta Falcons. He still wants to play despite a disastrous two seasons with the Falcons, and Minnesota is scouring the free agent market for a veteran to play in front of McCarthy.
In six seasons with the Vikings, Cousins made three Pro Bowls, had a 67.9% completion percentage, 23,265 passing yards, 171 touchdowns, 55 interceptions, and a 101.2 passer rating.
He may not be the quarterback that he once was, but rolling with him in 2026 would be a much wiser decision that throwing McCarthy back out on the field.
3. The Kansas City Chiefs could sign Carson Wentz to start before Patrick Mahomes comes back
The Kansas City Chiefs will not have quarterback Patrick Mahomes to start the 2026 NFL season. He tore his ACL late in 2025 and will not be ready until well into 2026.
They could, of course, sign any number of free agent quarterbacks to fill the void until Mahomes returns. That being said, Carson Wentz makes the most sense.
Wentz, of course, served as Mahomes’ backup in 2024 when the Chiefs last won the Super Bowl. He already knows the offense, so there would not be much of a learning curve, if any.
When Mahomes is fully healthy, he would revert back to being his backup.
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