5 potential landing spots for Alex Smith to sign with

3. New York Jets

The idea the Jets will somehow stick with Sam Darnold is fading, and they are in prime position to take a quarterback with the second overall pick (Justin Fields? Zach Wilson?). With the second-most cap space in the league right now ($67.9 million, according to Over The Cap) and draft picks, they can fortify the roster top to bottom rather quickly.

The Jets don’t have a quarterback other than Darnold under contract for 2021 right now. So they will surely be looking to add someone in free agency, even if it’s someone who will be lined up to be a backup or bridge to an incoming rookie. They are also a lingering potential suitor for Deshaun Watson, with the assets to get it done if the Texans start taking (or returning) calls.

Smith fits the bill as a capable veteran backup who would be a valuable mentor to a young quarterback. If the Jets did wind up keeping Darnold as their starter, Smith’s presence would be helpful to him too.

If Smith wants a clear chance to start somewhere, which again is very unlikely, the Jets could be anywhere on that spectrum depending on the other moves they make. But in a broad sense, I expect general manager Joe Douglas to have some interest in Smith.