Surprise QB Trade Indirectly Brings Vikings into Mix
Well, that was unexpected.
The New York Jets had a quarterback opening until they didn’t. In an oddly competent moment for the Jets, there was a surprise QB trade to bring Geno Smith back, as Adam Schefter reported. Part of the rationale appears to be that the Vikings were lurking in the shadows.
Rich Cimini covered the news for ESPN, offering further background.
Check out a noteworthy tidbit buried into the middle of the story: “If the Jets had waited for him to be released at 4 p.m. Wednesday, they could’ve signed him for $1.3 million, the veterans minimum. But they would’ve faced competition for him. The Minnesota Vikings were known to be interested.”
Surprise QB Trade & The Vikings Options
Presumably, the Raiders considered a swap with the Vikings. Why wouldn’t they seek to generate a bidding war?
Las Vegas was moving into the situation with essentially zero leverage. Everybody knows what’s going on as the Raiders move into the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 1 selection. Very soon, Fernando Mendoza is going to get scooped up as the future — and possibly present-day — solution at quarterback. As a result, Smith’s services were no longer needed, leading to the public commitment to cutting him.
Would looping in the Vikings have created a mini bidding war? Or, perhaps, was the decision to keep things ultra simple, sending Smith to New York and then moving on as a franchise?
Before the cut could occur, the Jets opted to jump the line. Send over a late-round pick (a 6th) in exchange for Mr. Smith and a 7th. Pretty tidy business, all things considered.
In all likelihood, Justin Fields — someone whom I’ve long maintained is a fit for the Vikings — is going to be shown the door. The word coming from the same ESPN piece: “Resetting their quarterback depth chart, the Jets are likely to move on from Justin Fields, who started nine games last season before he was benched.”
Back to the main topic, though: Smith possessing the agency that comes from being a free agent could have led to a situation where the Jets missed their man.
Gotta think that playing for Kevin O’Connell has some ongoing appeal, especially since the alternative is life as a Jet in New York. Throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson is a dream scenario for almost any passer.
What’s going to be fascinating going into tomorrow is whether something similar could occur for Kyler Murray. If not, then he’ll be allowed to slip into what will presumably be a very short time in unemployment. Pittsburgh and Minnesota appear to be the top options.
Worth noting, as well, that Mac Jones rumors have come up for air.
Check out the update courtesy of Dianna Russini: “A few teams have called the San Francisco 49ers about QB Mac Jones, but many interested around the league describe their price as ‘astronomical.'” If true, then count out the Vikings unless something truly bizarre happens.
To summarize, the Jets pulled off a low-level trade (the ol’ late-round pick swap) to bring Geno Smith back to town. Part of the reason why is due to some concern about the veteran opting for the Vikings instead of the Jets. Mr. Jones could be had, but only for a massive haul.
Shrinking things down means seeing Murray and Kirk Cousins as the last two passers who make some sense. Oh, and Fields if/when he’s released.
