A High-Stakes Gamble That Fell Short (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Las Vegas — The Raiders prepared to move on from quarterback Geno Smith after his lone campaign as the starter culminated in a franchise-worst 3-14 record.[1][2]
A High-Stakes Gamble That Fell Short
The Raiders acquired Smith from the Seattle Seahawks last March in exchange for a third-round draft pick.[2] They followed that trade by signing the veteran to a two-year, $75 million contract extension, committing over $58 million to him for the 2025 season alone.[1] General manager John Spytek hoped the move would stabilize the quarterback position under then-head coach Pete Carroll, who had previously worked with Smith in Seattle.
Instead, the experiment yielded disappointing results. The team fired Carroll after one season and hired Klint Kubiak as the new offensive coordinator, but the damage from 2025 lingered.[3] Releasing Smith now clears $8 million in salary cap space, though it incurs $18.5 million in dead money.[2]
Performance Woes Defined the Season
Smith appeared in 15 games, making starts in all of them, but the numbers painted a grim picture. He threw for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns, yet led the NFL with 17 interceptions.[3] His completion percentage sat at 67.4%, and his passer rating finished at 84.7, reflecting the inconsistency that plagued the offense.
- Passing yards per game: 201.7
- Team record in his starts: 2-13
- Offense ranking: Last in NFL points and yards scored
- Final nine starts: 0-9
The Raiders offense ranked dead last in scoring and total yards, underscoring broader issues beyond the quarterback.[2] Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler during his Seahawks resurgence, struggled to replicate that success in the desert.
Eyes on the Draft: A New Quarterback Era Begins
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders targeted Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led the Hoosiers to their first national championship.[1] This selection signals a commitment to youth at the position, potentially starting a long-term rebuild.
General manager Spytek indicated flexibility, noting the team might pursue a veteran free agent to bridge the gap if Mendoza requires development time.[3] The release, expected before the new league year on March 11, paves the way unless a trade materializes at the last moment.[4]
Geno Smith’s Next Chapter Unfolds
At 35, Smith drew interest from several teams as a potential bridge starter, backup, or competitor. Possible destinations included the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets.[2]
Shortly after reports emerged, Smith took to X, posting, “God is the GREATEST. THANK U LORD.”[1] His career, which began as a second-round pick by the Jets in 2013, featured stints as a backup before his late-career revival in Seattle.
Key Takeaways
- Raiders save $8M in cap space but eat $18.5M dead cap from release.
- Fernando Mendoza projected as No. 1 pick to anchor future offense.
- Smith’s 17 INTs highlighted a turnover-plagued 2025 season.
The Raiders’ decision marks a clean break from a failed experiment, positioning the franchise for a youth-driven resurgence. Fans now watch closely as the draft approaches. What do you think of Las Vegas’ quarterback reset? Tell us in the comments.
