The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to move on from quarterback Geno Smith after just one season with the franchise. According to multiple reports, the Raiders plan to release Smith at the start of the new NFL league year unless they are able to find a trade partner beforehand.
The decision marks a quick end to Smith’s tenure in Las Vegas after the team acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason. The Raiders reunited Smith with former head coach Pete Carroll and quickly committed to him by signing the veteran quarterback to a two-year, $75 million contract extension shortly after the trade.
However, the partnership never delivered the results the franchise had hoped for.
Smith finished the 2025 season completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and a league-high 17 interceptions across 15 games. His struggles with turnovers were a major issue throughout the season, including nine interceptions over the first five games.
The Raiders’ offense also dealt with significant instability. Smith was sacked 55 times and faced 194 total pressures behind a struggling offensive line. Injuries to key weapons, including tight end Brock Bowers, combined with the midseason firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly further disrupted the offense.
The season ultimately spiraled into one of the worst in franchise history. Las Vegas finished with a 3–14 record, leading to major organizational change,s including the dismissal of Carroll.
Financially, the move makes sense for the Raiders. Releasing Smith will save the team approximately $8 million in salary cap space while leaving behind $18.5 million in dead money. The timing of the move also allows the team to avoid an additional $8.5 million in guaranteed money that would have triggered later in the league year.
Smith, now 35, could still draw interest from teams seeking a veteran bridge quarterback. During his previous stint with Seattle from 2022 through 2024, Smith revitalized his career and led the Seahawks to 27 wins and a playoff appearance while earning Pro Bowl recognition.
What’s Next for the Raiders
Releasing Smith clears the path for the Raiders to reset the position with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas is widely expected to select Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick next month. Mendoza is viewed as the top quarterback prospect in the class and could immediately step in as the franchise’s long-term starter.
Backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell remains on the roster, but the Raiders could explore additional options in free agency to ensure depth at the position.
Ultimately, moving on from Smith represents both a financial decision and a strategic pivot for Las Vegas. By clearing cap space and committing to a younger quarterback, the Raiders are beginning the process of rebuilding around a new face of the franchise as they look to turn the page after a disappointing 2025 season.
