Raiders Planning Geno Smith Release
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly planning to release Geno Smith if a trade cannot be secured, while Malik Willis' free agency is drawing interest from the Steelers, Jets, Cardinals, and Dolphins. The QB carousel continues spinning as teams position for the upcoming season.
The move to release Geno Smith comes just one year after the Raiders signed him to a two-year, $75 million contract extension in April 2025. That deal included $58.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. Releasing him would still carry an $18.5 million dead cap hit for the 2026 season. Smith's lone season in Las Vegas saw him post a passer rating of 84.7, throwing for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions across 15 games. The Raiders finished the 2024 season with a 4-13 record before acquiring Smith from the Seahawks. Malik Willis, on the other hand, enters free agency after a highly efficient, albeit limited, 2025 season with the Green Bay Packers. In 4 games, he completed 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions, earning a 145.5 passer rating. He also showcased his dual-threat ability with 123 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. The Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in Willis comes as they await a decision from 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers on his return for the 2026 season. The current quarterback room consists of Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and while they have cap space, reports suggest they may prefer to start Howard rather than sign a high-priced veteran. For the New York Jets, the search for a quarterback is urgent after another disappointing season and the failed Justin Fields experiment. While they hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, they are also exploring veteran options. The Jets are also reportedly interested in Kyler Murray, who was recently released by the Cardinals. The Arizona Cardinals are in a full rebuild, having just released their former No. 1 overall pick, Kyler Murray. Their plan appears to be starting veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2026 while targeting the 2027 quarterback market for a long-term solution. The Miami Dolphins are also in the quarterback market, with the expected release of Tua Tagovailoa. The team is looking to create competition for the starting job and has expressed definite interest in Willis. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has made it clear the team will be adding a quarterback this offseason.
