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The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly moved on from quarterback Geno Smith.
The Raiders, if they do not find a trade partner before the new league year begins on Wednesday, will release the 35-year-old, according to multiple reports.
The Raiders acquired Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks last season, giving up a 2025 third-round pick to reunite him with head coach Pete Carroll. A year later, Carroll and Smith will no longer be a part of the franchise.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on November 23, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
After the trade, Smith signed a two-year, $75 million contract extension with the Raiders, earning $40 million last season. By releasing Smith, the Raiders will take an $18.5 million loss but get $8 million in salary cap relief.
The Raiders were also scheduled to pay Smith an additional $8.5 million in guaranteed money on the third day of the league year, but will avoid paying that by releasing him early.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith yells towards his bench after failing to convert against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter in Las Vegas. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
Smith had a rough season, as he led the NFL with 17 interceptions despite missing two games due to injury. He completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,205 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
This is also the second straight offseason that new head coach Klint Kubiak has left Smith. The Seahawks traded Smith after Kubiak was hired as the team’s offensive coordinator last year and are now expected to release him with Kubiak as the Raiders’ head coach.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith reacts after a play during the second half of a game against the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland on September 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Stéphanie Scarbrough)
Moving on from Smith allows the Raiders to name Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, if the team selects him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek have both repeatedly stated that they believe in not playing a young quarterback right away, which is no guarantee that Mendoza would start in Week 1.
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