Malik Willis signing makes Geno Smith Jets reunion feel inevitable

The quarterback market is starting to heat up with the start of the legal tampering period, and the first domino has fallen. Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis has reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth up to $45 million with the Miami Dolphins, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The potential signing has major implications for the New York Jets, who are currently in the running for former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. SNY's Connor Hughes reported before the start of free agency that Smith's preferred destination was the Dolphins, but with Willis primed to be their starting quarterback in 2026, the former Jets draft pick's options have been narrowed down.

Smith has long been rumored as one of the favorite options for the Jets brass, and with Miami off the board, his chances of landing in New York have certainly improved.

Could Geno Smith turn to the Jets after being passed up by the Dolphins?

The Jets aren't out of the woods yet, though. The Athletic's Alec Lewis reported that the Smith "thinks very highly" of the Minnesota Vikings, and that could be another prime opportunity for the journeyman quarterback.

Minnesota is the ideal landing spot for any quarterback. Not only do they boast one of the NFL's top receiving options in Justin Jefferson, but head coach Kevin O'Connell is one of the league's brightest offensive minds and quarterback-friendly coaches. In a vacuum, picking the Vikings would be a no-brainer.

But the Vikings quarterback picture is far from clear. The organization has invested a lot in former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, and he'll have every opportunity to compete for that starting gig.

There's also a lot of smoke surrounding former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Minnesota. He could look to be the next signal caller to have his career revived by O'Connell.

If Smith wants to head somewhere where he knows he's guaranteed the starting job, it's the Jets. Even if they decide to add another veteran, such as Carson Wentz, the former Raider should feel confident in the fact that he'll be under center Week 1.

One thing is for sure: Jets fans will be watching closely as the game of veteran quarterback musical chairs continues into free agency.