The Minnesota Vikings are preparing to turn to Carson Wentz at quarterback for Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills after Kyler Murray was ruled out with a hamstring strain.

Murray’s latest injury setback has raised questions about whether Minnesota is considering a longer-term change at the position, with fans and analysts speculating that the injury could be a “soft benching.”

With the trade deadline knocking at the door, former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long believes the Vikings should explore another option at quarterback. He has a veteran from the New York Jets in mind.

Chris Long Urges Vikings To Trade for Geno Smith

The Jets are 2-6 despite some strong performances from their quarterback, while the 6-1 Vikings have struggled to find consistent play at the position. Speaking on his “Green Light” podcast, Long argued that a trade could make sense for both teams.

“It’s time to trade for a quarterback in Minnesota… I was sitting there talking about how good Geno Smith looked last week, and it hit me. The Jets don’t need Geno Smith. Go get another pick for Geno Smith,” said the two-time Super Bowl winner.

Long then made a direct appeal to Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley, urging him to bring Smith to Minnesota.

“Dome Geno in Minnesota, please. Mr. Teasley, please make it happen, dude. Don’t waste this team.”

Like others, Long also felt Murray’s injury designation could be a “soft benching.” If that’s the case, he believes Murray isn’t the right quarterback for Minnesota and the team should look for a better replacement.

Smith has put up solid numbers this season, including 290 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8, even though the Jets lost 38-33.

Through eight games, Smith has 12 touchdown passes and three interceptions. His PFN QB Impact Score of 80.1 ranks 11th in the league.

However, trading Smith would leave New York with a big decision at quarterback. The Jets would likely have to turn to fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik with nine games left, asking a young player to take over late in the season.

Vikings Turn to Wentz as Trade Deadline Approaches

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Thursday that Wentz would start against the Bills and described Murray as week-to-week with a hamstring injury. Murray did not practice Thursday.

Wentz is set to make his 101st career start, with Max Brosmer serving as his backup. Wentz has already started once for Minnesota this season, stepping in during the Week 2 win over Chicago. That gives O’Connell a veteran who is familiar with the offense.

Bringing in Smith, on the other hand, would require the Vikings to give up draft capital and get a new quarterback up to speed in the middle of the season.

The trade deadline falls on Tuesday, Nov. 10, one day after Minnesota faces Buffalo.

The outcome of the Week 9 game could give the Vikings a better idea of whether Wentz can handle the job or if they need to pursue another quarterback.