The 2025 NFL season was a tough ride for Geno Smith, and it wasn't entirely his doing. What began as a promising reunion with Pete Carroll quickly turned sour, with Carroll's decision to keep Smith as the starter backfiring. Now, with Carroll out, Smith's days in Las Vegas seem numbered, especially if the Raiders can make the financials work.
Enter Klint Kubiak, the new head coach, who had initially joined the Seattle Seahawks with hopes of working alongside Smith. That plan didn't pan out, and any notion that Smith might stick around as a backup or mentor to Fernando Mendoza feels far-fetched. Smith likely isn't interested in that role, nor would it suit him.
As the quarterback carousel spins this offseason, Smith could still be seen as a viable starter, especially by teams recognizing his challenging stint with the Raiders. The Miami Dolphins could be one such team.
Why the Dolphins Could Be a Fit for Geno Smith
Some teams naturally align better with Smith's situation than others, depending on their position as contenders and their quarterback lineup. Among the possibilities, the Dolphins emerge as an intriguing option.
The Dolphins currently have three quarterbacks on the roster for the 2026 season: Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller, and Tua Tagovailoa. With Tagovailoa benched and carrying a hefty cap hit, Miami is reportedly open to using draft capital to move his contract.
Regardless of Tagovailoa's future, the Dolphins need a solid solution at quarterback. The Raiders, with their cap space, could offer Miami a two-fold solution. They could send Smith to Miami, take on Tagovailoa's contract as a backup for Mendoza, and gain some draft picks in return.
The Dolphins are already in the midst of a major overhaul with a new general manager and head coach, cutting several veterans. The biggest piece of this puzzle is Tagovailoa and his hefty contract. The Raiders could potentially absorb it while sending Smith to Miami.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz has noted Miami's preference to trade Tagovailoa, but a swift decision is anticipated. Whether Tagovailoa is traded or released, the Dolphins might soon be in the market for a veteran starter.
Smith, being a Miami native, could find the Dolphins an appealing destination. For the Raiders, trading him rather than cutting him would clear his $26.5 million cap hit, avoiding an $18.5 million dead cap hit.
The Dolphins might be gearing up for a rebuild, possibly eyeing the No. 1 draft pick. If nothing else, Smith could be a strategic part of that plan, bringing experience and a fresh start.