Geno Smith won't be playing for the Las Vegas Raiders next season, but he also won't be playing for the Minnesota Vikings either. Instead, Smith is returning to the New York Jets, where his NFL career first began all the way back in 2013.
Just as Vikings fans were thinking about Smith possibly ending up in purple and gold this offseason, the Jets and Raiders reportedly agreed to a trade on Tuesday that will send the veteran signal-caller back to New York.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets are acquiring Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick after sending a 2026 sixth-round selection to Las Vegas. In addition, Schefter shared that New York and Smith agreed to a restructured contract that has the Raiders paying the majority of his 2026 salary.
Geno Smith no longer an option for Minnesota Vikings after trade to New York Jets
Prior to Smith getting dealt to the Jets on Tuesday, he was believed to be one of the top quarterback options for Minnesota to potentially sign this offseason, along with Kyler Murray. But now that Smith is on his way to New York, Murray to the Vikings is only going to pick up more steam.
To be honest, Minnesota fans should be happy that Smith is going to be playing elsewhere next season.
At 35-years-old, he's coming off an awful 2025 season with the Raiders in which he threw 17 interceptions and was sacked 55 times. Smith has also never led a team to a playoff win in his entire career.
He might be "a better fit" for the offense the Vikings run under head coach Kevin O'Connell, but his weaknesses typically seem to be too difficult to overcome throughout his career in the league.
Now, Minnesota can turn its full attention to Murray, and a deal with the former No. 1 overall pick could potentially be signed as early as Wednesday when the new league year begins at 3 p.m. CT.