Raiders Release Geno Smith, Opening Cap Space and Signaling a Modern Era

LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from quarterback Geno Smith, barring a trade before the start of the new league year on Wednesday, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The decision marks the end of a brief, and ultimately unsuccessful, stint for the 35-year-old veteran in Nevada.

The move frees up $8 million in salary cap space for the Raiders, but comes with $18.5 million in dead money, according to reports. Smith signed a two-year, $75 million extension after being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The Raiders had hoped pairing Smith with former head coach Pete Carroll, with whom he spent six seasons in Seattle, would spark immediate success, but the experiment backfired.

The Raiders finished the 2025 season with a dismal 3-14 record, landing them the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Many analysts now expect the Raiders to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with that top pick, signaling a complete reset at the position. The draft is scheduled to begin in late April, and the selection of Mendoza would represent a significant investment in the future of the franchise.

A Disappointing Season for Smith and the Raiders

Smith’s single season in Las Vegas was marked by inconsistency and struggles. In 15 starts, he completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions – the most he’s thrown in a season since his rookie year with the New York Jets in 2013. He was similarly sacked 55 times, highlighting the challenges faced by the Raiders’ offensive line. His QBR of 34.1 ranked 27th in the league, and he missed two games due to injury.

The Raiders’ struggles weren’t solely attributable to Smith, however. General manager John Spytek acknowledged at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team’s issues were multifaceted. Still, the quarterback position is often seen as the focal point of a team’s success, and Smith’s performance clearly didn’t meet expectations.

The decision to release Smith comes after a period of internal evaluation following a deeply disappointing 2025 season. Reports indicated dysfunction within the organization, including private meetings and questions surrounding the influence of Tom Brady. [1] The team’s performance on the field reflected those internal challenges.

What’s Next for the Raiders?

The Raiders’ immediate focus shifts to the NFL Draft and the opportunity to build around a new quarterback. Fernando Mendoza has emerged as the consensus top quarterback prospect, and his skillset appears to align with the Raiders’ needs. Mendoza’s performance in pre-draft workouts and interviews will be closely scrutinized in the coming weeks.

Beyond the draft, the Raiders will need to address several other areas of the roster, including the offensive line and the secondary. The $8 million in cap space created by Smith’s release will provide some flexibility, but the team will likely need to make additional moves to improve its overall competitiveness. The team also needs to establish a more cohesive culture and address the issues that plagued them in 2025.

The release of Geno Smith represents a significant turning point for the Raiders. It’s a clear indication that the organization is committed to rebuilding and creating a sustainable path to success. The upcoming draft and the subsequent roster moves will be critical in determining whether the Raiders can return to contention in the AFC West.

For Smith, his future remains uncertain. He will become a free agent and will likely be pursued by teams in need of a veteran quarterback. His experience and arm talent could still be valuable assets, but he will need to demonstrate improved decision-making and consistency to secure a starting role.

The Raiders will enter the 2026 season with a new quarterback, a renewed sense of optimism, and a clear vision for the future. The road ahead will be challenging, but the organization is determined to build a winning team in Las Vegas.

The new league year begins next Wednesday, and the Raiders will officially announce Smith’s release at that time. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates the draft and free agency as they embark on this new chapter.

Next Up: The NFL Draft, scheduled to begin on April 29th, will be a pivotal moment for the Raiders as they look to select their franchise quarterback.

What do you think of the Raiders’ decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

[1] ESPN: Sources – Raiders to release QB Geno Smith, barring trade