Las Vegas Raiders Set to Release Veteran Quarterback Geno Smith Amid Financial and Performance Woes

HENDERSON, Nev. - Ekhbary News Agency

Raiders Prepare for Geno Smith's Departure, Signaling Major Overhaul

In a move that signals a significant shift in their organizational strategy, the Las Vegas Raiders are poised to release veteran quarterback Geno Smith, barring any last-minute trade developments. Sources close to the situation informed ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday that the team intends to part ways with the signal-caller before the official start of the new league year on Wednesday. This decision marks the culmination of a tumultuous tenure for Smith and a deeply disappointing season for the Raiders franchise.

The financial implications of this move are substantial. By releasing Smith, the Raiders will gain approximately $8 million in much-needed salary cap flexibility. However, this comes at the cost of absorbing a considerable $18.5 million in dead cap money. This dead cap hit represents the remaining guaranteed money on Smith's contract that the team will still be obligated to pay, despite his departure. This financial maneuver highlights the team's commitment to moving in a new direction, even if it incurs a significant financial penalty in the short term.

Smith's journey with the Raiders began with considerable fanfare. He was acquired via trade from the Seattle Seahawks for a future third-round pick and subsequently signed a two-year, $75 million contract extension. A significant portion of this contract, $40 million, was fully guaranteed. The initial hope was that pairing Smith with his former coach, Pete Carroll, under whom he enjoyed a resurgence in Seattle, would ignite the Raiders' offense and lead to immediate success. Unfortunately, this reunion failed to deliver the expected results.

During his 15 starts for the Raiders, Smith's performance was largely inconsistent. He managed to throw for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns, but this was marred by a league-high 17 interceptions. This interception total was the most he had thrown in a single season since his rookie year with the New York Jets in 2013, where he threw 21 picks. The struggles were particularly acute early in the 2025 season, with Smith throwing nine interceptions in the first five games alone. His overall effectiveness was reflected in his 27th-ranked QBR of 34.1, and he also missed two games due to injury, further disrupting any potential rhythm.

Despite the statistical shortcomings, Raiders General Manager John Spytek acknowledged at the scouting combine that placing sole blame on Smith might be an oversimplification. Spytek conceded that the organization could have done more to put Smith in a position to succeed. The offensive line's inability to provide consistent protection was a major factor, as Smith was sacked 55 times and pressured on 194 occasions. The mid-season firing of Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly after Week 11 and the injury to tight end Brock Bowers during the first half of the season added to the offensive instability.

Ultimately, Smith's inconsistency under pressure, coupled with the team's overall struggles, contributed to one of the worst seasons in Raiders franchise history, culminating in a 3-14 record. The fallout also led to the dismissal of Head Coach Pete Carroll, a figure Smith had credited with revitalizing his career. On a brighter note for the franchise, the Raiders secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This top selection is widely expected to be used to draft Smith's eventual replacement, highly touted Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

However, General Manager John Spytek has indicated a preference for veteran leadership at the quarterback position, expressing skepticism about immediately starting a young player. Therefore, the Raiders are likely to pursue another veteran quarterback to compete with Mendoza and current backup Aidan O'Connell. This strategic approach suggests a deliberate effort to build a stable and competitive environment around their presumed future franchise quarterback, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of the recent past and chart a more successful course for the Las Vegas Raiders.

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