Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
Getty
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons did not expect to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason. Yet that’s exactly where they find themselves as free agency approaches.
Once Kirk Cousins is officially released on March 11 — the start of the new league year — the Falcons will likely begin exploring their options at the position.
How that might sit with Michael Penix Jr., who is entering his third NFL season, remains unclear. Much could depend on the type of quarterback Atlanta ultimately brings in to share the room with him.
The market may have just added another name to consider.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to release quarterback Geno Smith unless a trade materializes before the start of the new league year.
“ESPN sources: the Raiders are releasing last season’s starting quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade before the start of the new league year. By releasing Smith, the Raiders will open up $8M in salary cap space while taking on $18.5M in dead money,” Schefter reported.
CBS Sports’ John Breech believes the Falcons could be a logical landing spot.
Geno Smith Could Give Falcons Insurance at Quarterback
Given Atlanta’s uncertain quarterback situation, any notable free agent who becomes available will likely draw interest from the team — including Smith.
Much of that uncertainty stems from Penix’s injury history and limited track record in the NFL. While the Falcons remain publicly supportive of the young quarterback, the new leadership group could still look to bring in a veteran option.
“In 2026, Penix will play for a new coach and a new front office that didn’t draft him, so they may be willing to give the starting quarterback job to someone else,” Breech wrote.
“If the Falcons were to sign Smith, that could give them the best of both worlds.
“If they’re looking to move on from Penix at some point, that decision would be much easier if Smith came in and played well right away. If the Falcons still want to see what they have in Penix, Smith could start the first few weeks of the season until Penix’s knee is fully healthy.”
Adding Smith would allow Atlanta to stabilize the quarterback room while still giving Penix an opportunity to prove himself.
Veteran Geno Smith Still Has Value in Right Situation
Smith is entering what would be his 13th NFL season and could soon be joining his sixth team.
His career path has been anything but typical. Smith started 29 games across his first two seasons with the New York Jets before starting just five games over the next seven seasons with four different teams.
However, his resurgence from 2022 through 2025 showed he can still be a productive starter in the right system.
During that stretch with the Seattle Seahawks and later the Raiders, Smith threw for more than 3,000 yards in four consecutive seasons.
He did struggle with turnovers last year, throwing 17 interceptions, but the Raiders had more problems than just Smith.
Breech noted that Atlanta’s offensive environment could make the Falcons an appealing destination.
“Smith might also be intrigued by the idea of playing for Kevin Stefanski, an offensive-minded coach,” Breech wrote. “There have been six seasons in Smith’s career where he started at least 15 games, and all six came under defensive-minded coaches, so playing for someone like Stefanski might help his game.
“Smith has shown the ability to thrive when he has the right weapons, and Atlanta has a loaded offense with Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London.”
If Smith does hit the open market, the Falcons could find themselves weighing whether a proven veteran might be the safest option while Penix continues his recovery and development.