NFL news: Raiders will reportedly release Geno Smith after 1 season
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The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly moving on from quarterback Geno Smith.
According to multiple reports, the Raiders will release the 35-year-old if they can’t find a trade partner before the new league year begins Wednesday.
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, both Carroll and Smith will no longer be with the franchise.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warms up before his game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Paradise, Nevada. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
Following the trade, Smith signed a two-year, $75 million contract extension with the Raiders and made $40 million last season. With the release of Smith, the Raiders will incur a dead cap hit of $18.5 million but will receive an $8 million salary cap hit.
The Raiders were also prepared to pay Smith another $8.5 million guaranteed on the third day of the league year, but they will avoid paying that by releasing him sooner.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) yells towards the bench after failing to score a touchdown in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
Smith had a solid season, leading the NFL with 17 tackles 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 also marks new head coach Klint Kubiak’s second consecutive offseason transfer from Smith. The Seahawks traded for Smith after Kubiak was hired as the team’s offensive coordinator last year and are now preparing to release him along with Kubiak as the Raiders head coach.
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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after a play during the second half of the NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on September 21, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Moving on from Smith would allow the Raiders to start Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza at quarterback if the team selects him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek have repeatedly said they don’t believe in moving a young quarterback right away, suggesting it’s not a given that Mendoza will start Week 1.
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