Raiders Release Geno Smith
The Raiders will release quarterback Geno Smith after just one season with the franchise. Smith started 11 games but struggled with consistency, prompting Las Vegas to move on as they consider new options at quarterback.
The move comes after a turbulent 2025 season where Smith threw for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns, but also led the league with 17 interceptions. Smith's struggles were highlighted by a QBR of 34.1, ranking him 27th in the league, as the team finished with a 3-14 record. Las Vegas had acquired Smith from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 third-round pick, reuniting him with his former coach, Pete Carroll. Following the trade, the Raiders signed Smith to a two-year, $75 million contract extension which included $66.5 million in guaranteed money. By releasing him, the Raiders will save $8 million in salary cap space for the upcoming season, though they will incur a significant $18.5 million dead cap hit. The timing of the release is crucial, as it prevents an additional $8.5 million of his salary from becoming fully guaranteed on the third day of the league year. The decision to part ways with Smith strongly signals the Raiders' intention to use the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select a new quarterback, widely expected to be Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. This move clears the path for a new era under center for the franchise. This marks the second consecutive offseason that a team has moved on from Smith under the guidance of Klint Kubiak, who was the Seahawks' offensive coordinator when Smith was traded and is now the Raiders' new head coach. The Raiders' offense struggled mightily in 2025, finishing last in the NFL in both points and yards. Smith, the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year, now joins a free-agent quarterback market that could include other veteran starters. The 35-year-old quarterback will be looking for his sixth NFL team after stints with the Jets, Giants, Chargers, Seahawks, and Raiders.
