Friday, ESPN reported that the Raiders will release 2025 starting quarterback Geno Smith
when the league year begins Wednesday barring an unexpected trade. Here are some keys to the move:No surprise:
This was coming all offseason. It was just a matter of when. There have been some reports Friday that stated the release was mutual between the team and Smith. No matter how Smith felt about it, his release was coming.
Could trade happen?
Anything is possible, but it’s doubtful a team would take on Smith’s
salary in a trade unless they are determined to make him their starter. If so, the compensation would likely be a late-round draft pick.
What a disaster:
Smith was awful as a Raider. He went 2-13 as a starter and pocketed more than $58 million from Las Vegas in one year. He threw 17 interceptions and was basically a mess all season. And it cost them a third-round pick. Brilliant move. He was the poster child of the failure under one-and-done head coach Pete Carroll.
Blame it on Carroll and Brady:
Carroll wanted Smith because they had some success in Seattle. But part owner Tom Brady must share some blame as well. He reportedly was not in favor of pursuing Sam Darnold in free agency. Clearly, he was fine with acquiring Smith. So, this was a big whiff.
Irony:
The Raiders traded for Smith on the Friday before free agency last year. Las Vegas was celebrated for the move and the Seahawks were question as they signed Darnold to replace Smith. The Seahawks, of course, went on to win the Super Bowl and the Raiders earned the No. 1 pick in the draft. It can back to a full circle on the Friday before free agency with the news of Smith’s pending release.
What’s next for Raiders:
It’s Fernando Mendoza time. They will add a veteran backup (Brandon Allen has Klint Kubiak ties). Kenny Pickett is a free agent and Aidan O’Connell may not be a good system fit. So, more changes are coming.
What’s next for Smith:
He will get a job and it will probably happen pretty quickly. There are several teams that need a starter, so he will get work. The Minnesota Vikings have been heavily connected to Smith.
Kubiak factor:
Kubiak became the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator in 2025. Smith was soon traded. Kubiak became the Raiders’ head coach this year and Smith is on his way out. Smith would very likely be out of Las Vegas no matter who was hired to replace Carroll. But, clearly, Kubiak isn’t a big believer in Smith.
