Las Vegas Raiders Release Geno Smith on Wednesday to Draft New Quarterback Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders are cutting Geno Smith after he threw 17 interceptions and the team lost 14 games last year. This is a big change compared to their hopes when they first signed him.
By Newsroom | Sports, Las Vegas |

The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from quarterback Geno Smith, set to release him at the commencement of the new league year on Wednesday. This decision follows just one year after acquiring Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.

Smith's tenure with the Raiders was marked by significant struggles, culminating in the team posting a 3-14 record last season. He threw an NFL-worst 17 interceptions in 15 starts, alongside 19 touchdowns. Smith was sacked 55 times and pressured on 194 occasions during this period.

The Raiders' strategy appears focused on the upcoming NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 1 overall pick. Expectations are high that they will select Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, to lead the franchise into the future. This move from Smith is seen as a way to clear the path and potential distractions for the incoming rookie.

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Raiders plan to release QB Geno Smith after 1 season ahead of NFL Draft - 1

The team's previous coaching staff, led by Pete Carroll, who had a history with Smith in Seattle, has been dissolved, with Carroll himself departing after one season. The new leadership, under coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek, seems poised for a fresh start. Spytek has acknowledged that Smith might not have been placed in an optimal situation to succeed.

Smith, a veteran quarterback now 35 years old, was acquired by the Raiders last offseason for a third-round draft pick. He had previously signed a two-year extension with the team. His career has seen him with various franchises, including the New York Jets, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle Seahawks, with Seattle being where he experienced a resurgence before joining Las Vegas.

The release of Smith is also expected to provide salary cap relief for the Raiders. He will now enter the free agent market, where he is anticipated to be a potential backup option, a candidate for a starting quarterback competition, or a temporary bridge to a younger player. Reports indicate that the Raiders also aim to bring in a veteran quarterback to serve as a mentor for Mendoza. The release of Smith, coupled with the imminent arrival of Mendoza, signifies a deliberate attempt by the Raiders to reset their team direction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Las Vegas Raiders decide to release Geno Smith on Wednesday?
The team wants a fresh start after a poor 3-14 season. Smith threw 17 interceptions, which was the worst in the league, so the team is moving on to save money and find a new leader.
Q: Who will replace Geno Smith as the Raiders quarterback after the NFL Draft?
The Raiders have the No. 1 pick and are expected to choose Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. They want a younger player to lead the franchise into the future instead of the 35-year-old Smith.
Q: How much did Geno Smith struggle during his one year in Las Vegas?
Smith had a difficult year where he was sacked 55 times and pressured 194 times. While he threw 19 touchdowns, his 17 interceptions contributed to the team losing 14 games.
Q: What is next for Geno Smith after leaving the Raiders this week?
Smith is now a free agent and can sign with any team. He will likely work as a backup quarterback or a temporary starter to help a younger player learn the game.