Why are the Raiders releasing Geno Smith?
The Raiders are releasing Geno Smith to free up cap space and pursue a new quarterback in the NFL Draft.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Raiders to Release QB Geno Smith After One Season | Cowboys Eye Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh in Free Agency | Alontae Taylor Signs with Tennessee Titans | Bengals Sign Bryan Cook to Bolster Safety Position | Deebo Samuel Free Agency: Commanders, Dolphins, and 49ers in the Mix | Brandon Aiyuk Linked to Commanders Amid 49ers Exit | Cleveland Browns Navigate 2026 Free Agency: Key Player Movements and Strategies | Detroit Lions Sign Center Cade Mays in Free Agency | Cardinals Land Tyler Allgeier: A Deep Dive into the New Deal | Raiders to Release QB Geno Smith After One Season | Cowboys Eye Boye Mafe and Odafe Oweh in Free Agency | Alontae Taylor Signs with Tennessee Titans | Bengals Sign Bryan Cook to Bolster Safety Position | Deebo Samuel Free Agency: Commanders, Dolphins, and 49ers in the Mix | Brandon Aiyuk Linked to Commanders Amid 49ers Exit | Cleveland Browns Navigate 2026 Free Agency: Key Player Movements and Strategies | Detroit Lions Sign Center Cade Mays in Free Agency | Cardinals Land Tyler Allgeier: A Deep Dive into the New Deal
NFL / Transactions
Raiders to Release QB Geno Smith After One Season
The Las Vegas Raiders are parting ways with veteran quarterback Geno Smith after a single season. This move comes as the team gears up for the NFL Draft, where they are expected to select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. The Raide...
Key Insights
- The Raiders will release Geno Smith, pending a trade, before the start of the new league year.
- Releasing Smith frees up $8 million in salary cap space, but the Raiders will incur $18.5 million in dead money.
- Smith's performance in 2025 included 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions.
- The Raiders are likely to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, as Smith's replacement.
- General Manager John Spytek is considering adding a veteran quarterback to compete with Mendoza and backup Aidan O'Connell.
In-Depth Analysis
Geno Smith's tenure with the Raiders was short-lived and marked by inconsistency. After a promising stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith struggled to replicate that success in Las Vegas. The Raiders' offense faltered, leading to a disappointing 3-14 season and the subsequent firing of head coach Pete Carroll.
The Raiders' acquisition of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to select a franchise quarterback. Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to their first national championship, is a strong contender. However, the Raiders may also seek a veteran presence to guide the young quarterback and provide stability to the team. This has been a trend in the NFL, where seasoned quarterbacks have been brought in to nurture younger players, as the team looks to rebuild.
**How to Prepare:** For Raiders fans, this means bracing for a period of transition. The team is likely to experience growing pains as they integrate a new quarterback and potentially other new players into the system. It also means closely monitoring the NFL Draft and free agency to see what moves the Raiders make to bolster their roster.
**Who This Affects Most:** This decision primarily impacts the Raiders organization, its players, and its fans. Geno Smith will need to find a new team, while the Raiders will be under pressure to make the right choice with the No. 1 overall pick. Fans will be eager to see if the team can turn things around and become a competitive force in the league.
FAQ
Who is likely to replace Geno Smith?
The Raiders are expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
What are the Raiders' plans for the quarterback position?
The Raiders may add a veteran quarterback to compete with Mendoza and backup Aidan O'Connell.
Takeaways
- The Raiders are moving on from Geno Smith after one season.
- The team has the No. 1 overall pick and is expected to draft a quarterback.
- A veteran quarterback may be brought in to mentor the rookie.
- This move signals a new direction for the Raiders franchise.
Discussion
Do you think the Raiders are making the right decision by releasing Geno Smith and drafting a quarterback? Let us know your thoughts!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This article may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.