Jets Might Double Down on Stealing Vikings QBs
On Tuesday, the New York Jets acquired their new starting quarterback when they traded for Las Vegas Raiders starter Geno Smith. It’s a homecoming for New York’s former 2nd-round pick.
That move may have had ripple effects beyond New York. Shortly after news of the trade broke, multiple reports surfaced suggesting the Vikings had also shown serious interest in the veteran.
National reporter Jordan Schultz posted on social media, “Geno Smith had real interest from the #Vikings, but the #Jets were able to get it done.”
ESPN’s Vikings writer Kevin Seifert shared: “Well … that makes things a bit more clear in Minnesota. Geno Smith was definitely an option the Vikings were considering if he was released. The Jets get ahead of that here.”
The Jets prevented him from ever becoming available for the Vikings. With Smith off the board, attention in Minnesota now shifts to another potential veteran option. Minnesota is now presumably looking at upcoming free agent Kyler Murray, who is expected to be released by the Arizona Cardinals.
But the Jets might not stop there and double down on Vikings QB targets. Carson Wentz, Minnesota’s QB2 from 2025 and possibly a re-signing candidate, seems to be high on their list as well.
Connor J. Hughes, a major New York Jets reporter, posted on social media, “Sources: Now that the #Jets have their starter (Geno Smith), they will turn their attention to the No. 2 job. Carson Wentz is squarely in the mix there.”
The Jets need a solid backup passer. They were one of the few teams whose quarterback performance rivaled Minnesota’s last season. Having a decent alternative in case of an injury is the obvious choice.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote after the Smith trade, “Resetting their quarterback depth chart, the Jets are likely to move on from Justin Fields, who started nine games last season before he was benched. Other than Fields, who has one year and $20 million remaining on his contract, the Jets have Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe under contract. They’re expected to add a veteran backup, perhaps Carson Wentz.”
Wentz was Minnesota’s QB2 in 2025, at least until he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury and underwent surgery. He arrived late, after the preseason, in fact. The Vikings decided that Sam Howell couldn’t get it done as the backup and traded him to Philadelphia.
Former No. 2 overall pick Wentz was thrust into action earlier than expected, having to start in Week 3 with J.J. McCarthy sidelined with an ankle injury.
Ultimately, Wentz lasted five games, completing 65.1% of his passes for 1,216 yards, 6 touchdowns and 5 picks, ranking near the middle of the pack in many advanced metrics. He provided a steady veteran presence and kept the season alive during McCarthy’s absence.
Wentz’s appeal differs depending on the team evaluating him. For Minnesota, he represented familiarity, scheme knowledge, and a steady veteran presence who wouldn’t disrupt the quarterback hierarchy. For the Jets, however, the pitch could be different. With a new starter arriving and uncertainty still surrounding the offense, a seasoned quarterback with starting experience provides insurance and flexibility. That distinction could influence Wentz’s decision. One team offers continuity in a familiar system, while the other may offer a clearer path to meaningful snaps if things go sideways.
Wentz is no longer an explosive passer, but he operated the offense at a more consistent level than McCarthy, which is why multiple receivers had their best stretches in 2025 with him under center.
Though he may not be the ideal veteran profile the Vikings want backing up McCarthy this season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter still envisioned him to return for a second campaign.
He said last month, “Minnesota knows it has to find the right veteran quarterback to bring in to challenge JJ McCarthy, yet not really threaten him. So is that a player like a Daniel Jones, depending on what the Indianapolis Colts do with their franchise tag? If it’s a transition tag, then maybe the Vikings could see an opening there to step in and get something done. But I expect Carson Wentz to be back in Minnesota, but there’ll be another guy.”
Given all the rumors and reports around the situation, Wentz would likely be the QB3 in the Twin Cities in 2026. If the Jets offer him the QB2 gig behind a QB coming off a bad season, that might be worth a shot for the former MVP candidate.
If that happens, the Vikings wouldn’t just lose a backup option — they would lose another carefully considered contingency plan. And in an offseason defined by quarterback uncertainty, watching the same AFC team repeatedly intercept their targets would be an especially frustrating twist.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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