Best landing spots for him
By: Jake Rajala
The former West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith was one of the biggest disappointments last season. After having a Pro Bowl season in 2022 and 2023 with the Seahawks, he had a somewhat modest season in 2024, as he had a 10-7 record. Well, it seems he may be washed up. He recorded a league-high 17 interceptions and led his team to a a 2-13 record in 2025-2026.
With that said, it’s been widely reported that Smith will be released, if the Raiders can’t find a trade suitor. Hence, I’m going to lay out several landing spots for him.
New York Jets
I really want to see the New York Jets bring in a rookie QB. They haven’t drafted a QB early in quite some time. With a rookie QB, it’s unclear if the rookie will be ready to start in 2026. Hence, Smith could show him the ropes and try to have a fresh start, too. The Jets have Garrett Wilson at WR, Breece Hall at RB, and I expect them to add another wideout to complement Wilson. I won’t give up on the Jets ability to draft a QB, after Zach Wilson and Sam Darnold didn’t pan out in NY.
Arizona Cardinals
It’s clear that the Arizona Cardinals need a QB after the release of Kyler Murray. Jacoby Brissett was a modest QB (and my fantasy QB), but he went 1-11. The Cardinals need a more clutch, talented QB. Smith isn’t exactly a gifted QB, but he has been accurate and consistent for a few recent seasons. I fully expect the Cards to draft a QB on Day 1 or Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. They should still bring in a veteran like Smith.
Minnesota Vikings
It’s too easy to insult the 2025 season that the former Michigan Wolverine J.J. McCarthy had. After all, he unleashed 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He also had a 57.6 completion percentage, which wasn’t daunting. Smith may be able to bounce back as a starter and win Comeback Player of the Year next season with Justin Jefferson in his arsenal. Even if he was dreadful, he managed to unleash a winning record with the Vikings.
Miami Dolphins
I expect the Phins to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, who once led the league in completion percentage. He still may have been worse than Geno last season. Tua threw 15 interceptions a season ago. Yet, the Phins still have some firepower with Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and potentially Darren Waller. I expect them to properly replace Tyreek Hill, too. The Phins absolutely need a superb QB to stand a chance at winning their division. I’d love to see the Phins draft a QB, regardless of how they address their QB spot in free agency.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns don’t have an answer at QB. I’m not buying the son of Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders, as he threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Sure, he made the Pro Bowl. Well, it’s somewhat of a popularity contest, rather than based on productivity. Dillon Gabriel didn’t show enough, too. I’d like to see them move on from Deshaun Watson or Gabriel, to make room for a third QB that can be drafted early.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders were 2-6 under Marcus Mariota. Mariota played his heart out, but it wasn’t enough. Perhaps it’s time to switch veteran QBs. Jayden Daniels is still the answer for the QB1 spot “right now”. However, he needs to show that he can stay healthy and productive. He went 2-5 last season, which wasn’t sexy. The playing style from Daniels, is similar to another former Washington QB, who couldn’t stay healthy. Of course, I’m talking about RG3.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a season ending injury a couple of seasons ago. He also happens to be 42 years old. It will be harder for him to recover from defenses that can tee off on him. So, I believe there’s a realistic chance he misses some game time. Smith can step in and rekindle the chemistry he once had with DK Metcalf in Seattle. Rodgers should start over Geno in Week 1. I believe it’s still one of the best places to be a back-up.
Honorable Mention:
New Orleans Saints
I expect the Saints to trade former South Carolina Gamecock Spencer Rattler away to a team where he could start. So, insert Geno Smith into the equation for the Saints. Tyler Shough isn’t only young and capable of having a sophomore slump, but he had a season ending injury in 2021 and 2023. Smith also has better weapons that what he had in Las Vegas. The Saints have Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, Juwan Johnson, and potentially Taysom Hill.
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