The “Other” Vikings QB Target Is Available Now
The Minnesota Vikings are expected to add a veteran quarterback this offseason, and most of the recent buzz has centered on Kyler Murray. But another frequently mentioned option just became available: Geno Smith.
The Las Vegas Raiders will reportedly release Smith once the new league year kicks off.
ESPN’s Ryan McFadden reported Friday, “The Las Vegas Raiders are set to release quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade, before the start of the new league year Wednesday, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday. By releasing Smith, the Raiders will open up $8 million in salary cap space while taking on $18.5 million in dead money.”
Last offseason, the Seattle Seahawks traded starter Smith to the Raiders in exchange for a 3rd-rounder and then replaced him with Sam Darnold. Seattle quickly moved on and found success with Sam Darnold, while the Raiders struggled to build a functional offense around Smith.
They signed him to a contract extension after the trade and are now stuck with the dead cap hit. In about six weeks, the Raiders will, barring any stunning moves, select Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza in the Draft.
Smith has been linked to the Vikings. ESPN’s Dan Graziano noted last Sunday, “The odd quarterback landscape of this offseason makes it difficult to predict where the Vikings land, but if and when someone such as Geno Smith or Kyler Murray gets cut, I could see Minnesota pursuing that kind of passer on a low-cost, one-year prove-it deal.”
His colleague Jeremy Fowler then added, “I’ve also heard that the Vikings are considering Murray and Smith as they outline their veteran quarterback plan.”
Looks like both Murray and Smith will be free agents next week and the Vikings could add one of them on a cheap deal.
While Murray’s 2025 campaign is overshadowed by an injury and limited playing time (he only played in five games), Smith is coming off a rocky campaign with the Raiders.
The veteran appeared in 15 games (all starts), throwing 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He still completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards. Surely, he can’t be happy with his play, but the Raiders didn’t provide him with the surroundings to thrive behind a bad offensive line and a lack of receiving talent.
McFadden explained, “Raiders general manager John Spytek said at the scouting combine that he didn’t want to blame Smith’s struggles all on the 35-year-old signal-caller. Spytek admitted that he could have put Smith in a better position to succeed. Smith battled inconsistent pass protection. He was sacked 55 times and pressured 194 times. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was fired after Week 11, and tight end Brock Bowers battled a knee injury during the first half of the season.”
Ultimately, Smith is only an attractive quarterback to those willing to attribute the Raiders’ struggles to his surroundings rather than to blame him. Prior to his one-year chapter with the Raiders, he had three solid seasons as a starter for the Seahawks with 71 touchdowns and 35 picks.
It doesn’t help his case that the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in their first season without him, but the defense exploded this year, which is unfortunate for him.
The Vikings are looking for a veteran who can run Kevin O’Connell’s offense more reliably than the passers did last year. Smith fits that profile. He has also thrived in the intermediate and deep passing game, especially over the middle of the field, which is a staple of the O’Connell scheme.
Murray represents raw talent, while Smith is a better fit for the scheme. There’s a decent chance that one of them will sign with the Vikings this month.
With free agency approaching, Minnesota’s quarterback decision could move quickly.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.