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By Matthew Davis
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The Minnesota Vikings remain in the hunt for a veteran quarterback to push or surpass J.J. McCarthy on the depth chart.
Minnesota now has one less option in free agency as the Las Vegas Raiders pivoted from cutting quarterback Geno Smith and traded him instead to the New York Jets. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders will send Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the Jets for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported via X that Smith “had real interest from the #Vikings, but the #Jets were able to get it done” instead. That also brings Smith full circle.
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Smith began his career with the Jets in 2013, but he turned his career around with the Seattle Seahawks before the Seahawks traded him to the Raiders last year. The Vikings ironically played a role in that as they let quarterback Sam Darnold walk in free agency to the Seahawks, which allowed for the Smith trade.
Minnesota passing on Smith isn’t the end of the world since he regressed in Las Vegas last season with a 67.4% completion rate for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns versus 17 interceptions. However, the Vikings didn’t have great production from McCarthy, as he completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns versus 12 interceptions.
The Vikings will now turn their attention to other options in free agency. That could include Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who has been linked to the Vikings amid his pending release.
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Murray completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards and six touchdowns versus three interceptions in an injury-riddled season last year. The Cardinals also benched Murray and started Jacoby Brissett instead.
Kirk Cousins could also be another quarterback to watch for since the Atlanta Falcons are expected to release him, but a Vikings reunion with Cousins may not be in the cards. Aaron Rodgers could leave the Pittsburgh Steelers for another team, but the Vikings passed on him last year in favor of McCarthy.
Other notable pending free agents include Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Zach Wilson, and Tyrod Taylor.
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