Signals Point to Departure as League Year Opens
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly preparing to release quarterback Geno Smith, concluding his brief tenure with the team after a single season. This move, slated to occur at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, comes after a tumultuous season for the Raiders, which saw their head coach, Pete Carroll, dismissed. Barring an unexpected trade, Smith is expected to enter the open market as a free agent.
The Raiders acquired Smith, a veteran signal-caller with a history that includes a less-than-stellar stint with the New York Jets, from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason. The acquisition involved a third-round draft pick. Smith's performance in Las Vegas was marked by struggles, culminating in a 2-13 record as a starter and the league-worst 17 interceptions thrown over 15 games. His time with the Raiders also saw him sacked 55 times and pressured on 194 occasions.
Read More: Duke Favored at +320 Odds for 2026 March Madness, Michigan Trails
"The Raiders just fit me." - Geno Smith (reported statement from previous season)
The decision to part ways with Smith signals a significant shift for the Raiders, particularly with the team holding the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Whispers suggest this top selection may be earmarked for former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, implying a strategic pivot towards a new direction under center. This aligns with statements from General Manager John Spytek, who indicated a lack of recent communication with Smith and acknowledged the possibility of better positioning the quarterback for success.
Smith's NFL journey has been a winding one. Once a second-round draft choice, he has also had stints with the New York Jets, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seahawks. His reunion with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas was intended to reignite a career that saw renewed success in Seattle, where he reportedly credited Carroll for a career resurgence.
Read More: Rams Sign Tyler Higbee to 2-Year Deal Worth $8 Million for 2024 Season
Interestingly, Smith is not the only former Seahawks quarterback finding himself at a crossroads. Russell Wilson, who played last season with the New York Giants, is also set to become an unrestricted free agent. The narrative of former Seattle quarterbacks moving on presents a curious parallel, raising questions about the longevity of their post-Seahawk careers.
The Raiders' move to release Smith is also a matter of financial pragmatism, as it is expected to free up salary cap space. Smith himself, despite the difficult season, has expressed no immediate plans for retirement and may draw interest as an experienced "stopgap" option for teams seeking a seasoned presence. The trade of Smith by the Seahawks to the Raiders was reportedly facilitated by stalled contract negotiations and Seattle's policy of not guaranteeing salaries beyond the initial year of a contract, avoiding future cap entanglements.
Read More: Eagles asking for 3 assets for A.J. Brown trade in 2025