Geno Smith's Best NFL Free Agency Landing Spots After Raiders Release QB Amid Fernando Mendoza Buzz

An intriguing quarterback option reportedly hit the open market Friday in the form of Geno Smith.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Las Vegas Raiders plan to release Smith if a trade does not materialize before the new league year, which would save $8 million in salary cap space.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler called the release a "mutual parting," and noted that Smith is a "consideration" for the Minnesota Vikings and other QB-needy teams.

The move doesn't come as a big surprise since the Raiders are widely expected to use the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Several teams are in need of a veteran quarterback who could potentially compete for the starting job, making Smith a potential option for the Vikings, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.

The 35-year-old Smith is coming off a rough season in Vegas, as he went just 2-13 in 15 starts, while completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and a league-high 17 interceptions.

▶️ Full Cowboys-Raiders Recap

05:16

Las Vegas acquired Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks last offseason after Smith served as Seattle's starter from 2022 to 2024, going 27-22 and earning two Pro Bowl selections during that stretch.

Smith's struggles with the Raiders are fresh in the minds of NFL teams and executives, but he is not far removed from being a quality starting quarterback, as he averaged 4,075 yards, nearly 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his three years as the Seahawks' starter.

Minnesota could be the best possible landing spot from Smith's perspective given that he would have numerous weapons at his disposal, including wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

In his first season as the starter, J.J. McCarthy had plenty of ups and downs in 2025, so it would likely behoove the Vikings to bring in a veteran quarterback to both work with McCarthy and compete with him for the starting job.

The Jets' situation is far less appealing, but it could represent an easier path to the starting job than what Minnesota can offer.

New York went 3-14 last season and the signing of quarterback Justin Fields in free agency didn't work out. Because of that, the Jets could look to move on from him and bring in a different starting option under center.

Smith would have the opportunity to utilize wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, plus the Jets hired a respected coach in Frank Reich to be their new offensive coordinator.

The Vikings and Jets reportedly also have their sights set on some other quarterbacks, though, and Smith may not be the first choice for either of them.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported Friday that multiple sources believe former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will sign with the Vikings following his release, while Carson Wentz is reportedly Reich's "preferred option" at quarterback in New York.

If those reports come to fruition, the Dolphins and Steelers are perhaps next in line in terms of being logical landing spots for Smith.

Should the Dolphins part ways with Tua Tagovailoa, they would be in the market for a veteran quarterback, and Smith would be a capable option to work with the likes of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De'Von Achane.

The Steelers' situation depends largely on whether they bring back Aaron Rodgers, but if they don't, Smith could be next in Pittsburgh's revolving door of veteran signal-callers.

Joining forces with an accomplished offensive mind in new head coach Mike McCarthy could be just what the doctor ordered for Smith, plus he would reunite with wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was a favorite target of Smith with the Seahawks from 2022 to 2024.