Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Carson Wentz Top NFL Landing Spots After Geno Smith's Trade to Jets

Another veteran quarterback found a new home on Tuesday, as the Las Vegas Raiders traded Geno Smith back to the first team he ever played for, the New York Jets, in exchange for a late-round pick swap.

So, with another veteran off the market, where does that leave players like Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins and Carson Wentz?

Ironically, the team that traded Smith could now use a veteran option as either as stopgap starter while presumed No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is developed slowly, or as a backup for him.

Murray would be intriguing in that he could provide the Raiders with a short-term starter, allowing them to sit Mendoza for his rookie season (or at least until they feel he's ready). And Murray could use the season to rehabilitate his image and hit next year's free agency as a top option for quarterback-needy teams, earning himself a solid payday in the process.

Murray may prefer to choose a situation where he could win the job in the long term and sign an extension, however, which obviously wouldn't be in the cards with the Raiders. Much of the buzz surrounding Murray has been linking him to Minnesota, and it makes a lot of sense:

Given J.J. McCarthy's struggles last season, Murray could feasibly win the starting job outright and would have some fun weapons to work with in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Granted, Murray might prefer to go to a team that would be handing him the starting job outright.

Those options aren't exactly plentiful at this point, however, leaving the Cleveland Browns or Pittsburgh Steelers (if Aaron Rodgers retires) as the best alternatives for Murray.

Cousins and Wentz, meanwhile, will be options for teams searching for veteran backups who can also serve as mentors for younger quarterbacks. That makes the Raiders a logical option for both as the team looks to support Mendoza.

Much of the buzz surrounding Wentz, however, has been a reunion with offensive coordinator Frank Reich in New York, where he would operate as Smith's backup:

That familiarity makes New York a strong option for Wentz.

As for Cousins, the Arizona Cardinals might offer him the best chance to start at this point, though he would be competing with Gardner Minshew. Neither is exactly a thrilling option.

Otherwise, Cousins is looking at a backup gig somewhere.