The New England Patriots will see some new starting quarterbacks next season.
Two AFC East teams are seeking a new signal-caller in 2026. The New York Jets are planning to release Justin Fields, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that the Miami Dolphins will absorb $99 million in dead money to cut Tua Tagovailoa.
Geno Smith is among the replacement candidates for each squad, with news of the Las Vegas Raiders intending to release the 35-year-old before the new NFL year begins on Wednesday. He's reportedly more interested in one option.
Smith would prefer to play for the Dolphins, per SNY's Connor Hughes. However, Hughes said Miami is targeting Malik Willis and sees Smith "among their list of contingency plans."
Hughes added that Smith isn't necessarily opposed to a Jets reunion. The former second-round pick began his career with a tumultuous four seasons in New York.
Smith spent six seasons as a backup before flourishing in a starting role with the Seattle Seahawks. The two-time Pro Bowler completed 68.5 percent of his passes from 2022 to 2024 with the league's fourth-most passing yards (12,226).
The Seahawks nevertheless moved on from Smith last offseason and signed Sam Darnold, who led them to a Super Bowl LX victory over the Patriots. Meanwhile, Smith regressed with an 84.7 quarterback rating and career-high 17 interceptions for the 3-14 Raiders.
Barring a trade, the Raiders will cut Smith this week to clear $8 million in cap space. They're widely expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick next month.
That makes Smith an enticing choice in a quarterback market lacking elite options. And the Dolphins are one of several teams seeking a change under center after cutting Tagovailoa.
Smith, a Florida native, could elevate Miami's short-term floor as the franchise seeks a long-term fix.
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