Geno Smith 'One to Monitor' for J.J. McCarthy Competition if Raiders Cut QB, Says Vikings Insider

It's no secret that J.J. McCarthy's first season as the full-time starter was a disappointment. That means identifying a backup plan is one of the most important goals for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason.

As Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported, "The Vikings are in the market for a productive, reliable and experienced former starting quarterback. They know they need insurance for the 23-year-old quarterback McCarthy. They also believe that many of the available candidates would be able to produce in their pass-heavy system with superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. The Vikings haven't zeroed in on one specific name because they don't know who's going to be available. However, if the Las Vegas Raiders cut Geno Smith, he's one to monitor."

Along with Smith, The Athletic's Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur reported Anthony Richardson, Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins and Tua Tagovailoa as possible options the Vikings could bring in to compete with mcCarthy.

Smith, 35, had a disappointing 2025 himself, throwing for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions across 15 games. With the Raiders seemingly about to draft Fernando Mendoza, it's possible Smith will be cut loose. He would make a lot of sense for the Vikings as an insurance policy to McCarthy, though his last two seasons haven't been great (40 touchdowns, 32 interceptions).

But McCarthy was worse (1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions in 10 games) last year. The Vikings need options, and Smith would be a good one.