NFL insider names four potential candidates to replace Geno Smith with Raiders

The New York Jets will reunite with Geno Smith in the 2026 NFL offseason after the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to send the veteran quarterback to the league’s first team. Initially, the Raiders released Smith before the Jets made a surprising move.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New York sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to Las Vegas in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick. This move clears the way for Fernando Mendoza to take over the Raiders.

But the AFC West also needs a veteran quarterback to mentor a future No. 1 pick.

MORE: Raiders’ key free agent addition sets stage for Fernando Mendoza draft

Insider Dianna Russini named four potential candidates to replace Smith and help Mendoza.
Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Atlanta Falcons decided to part ways with Kirk Cousins ​​as the new league year began, while the Arizona Cardinals made the same decision with Kyler Murray. Carson Wentz became a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings, and Jimmy Garoppolo is a pending free agent after playing with the Rams last year.

More: 5 Biggest Winners and Losers from Day 1 of NFL Free Agency

Geno Smith’s controversial Jets incident resurfaced after the trade.

As soon as the Geno Smith news broke, NFL reporter Ari Meirov recalled an incident in which Smith suffered a broken jaw when teammate IK Enemkpali punched him in the locker room.