Raiders at a Crossroads: Quarterback Questions Loom Large in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down a tough truth as the 2025 season winds to a close: the gamble on Pete Carroll and Geno Smith hasn’t paid off. At 35 years old, Smith has struggled to lead this team out of the AFC West basement, and his numbers tell the story-15 touchdown passes against an NFL-worst 14 interceptions. That’s not the kind of production you can build a future around, and general manager John Spytek knows it.
The Raiders are in full evaluation mode, and the quarterback position is squarely in the spotlight. With the team currently slotted to pick fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the opportunity to reset under center is very real. And with a roster that still needs help in multiple areas, Las Vegas has to decide whether to double down on a new signal-caller or continue patching holes elsewhere.
Why the Raiders Need a QB Now-Not Later
Let’s be honest: the Raiders aren’t just a quarterback away from contending. But that doesn’t mean they can afford to put off finding their next franchise leader.
Smith’s inconsistency has been a problem all year, and even if he returns next season, it’s clear the team needs a succession plan in place. There’s no long-term answer in the building right now.
What makes this an intriguing situation is that the Raiders do have some offensive pieces worth building around. Tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty have emerged as legitimate cornerstones-young, dynamic, and capable of helping a rookie quarterback transition into the league. That’s a luxury not every rebuilding team has.
Even with the uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff-offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is already out, and Pete Carroll’s future is murky at best-Spytek has to be thinking big picture. Whoever takes the reins in 2026 will need a quarterback they can grow with. Waiting too long to find that guy could stall the rebuild before it ever gets going.
Draft Day Decisions: Who’s on the Radar?
If the season ended today, Las Vegas would be sitting with the No. 4 overall pick. That’s prime real estate in a quarterback-hungry league, and while this year’s QB class doesn’t have the can't-miss hype of previous years, there are still intriguing options.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are the three names most commonly linked to the top of the board. Each brings something different to the table-Mendoza’s poise, Moore’s arm talent, Simpson’s athleticism-but none are without questions. Mendoza hasn’t faced the Big Ten’s elite defenses, Moore could opt to return to school, and Simpson’s late-season dip in performance has raised some eyebrows.
Still, the potential is there. And more importantly, the Raiders are in a position to take a swing. With the right development and system, one of these quarterbacks could be the foundation for a new era in Vegas.
Building the Rest of the Roster-or Betting on a QB?
There’s a valid argument for going in another direction. Ohio State standouts Arvell Reese (edge/linebacker) and Caleb Downs (safety) are both high-impact defenders who could instantly upgrade a defense that’s been inconsistent all year. Adding one of them would certainly help balance out a roster that still has plenty of soft spots.
But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. If the Raiders go into 2026 with Geno Smith as the unquestioned starter and no heir apparent, they’re setting themselves-and their next head coach-up for more of the same. This team needs a spark, and more importantly, a long-term plan.
Spytek has a chance to reshape the franchise with this pick. And while it’s tempting to shore up the defense or add depth elsewhere, nothing changes the trajectory of a team faster than hitting on the right quarterback.
The Raiders haven’t had that guy in a long time. This offseason might be their best shot in years to finally find him.
A Glimmer of Hope in the Desert
It’s been a rough ride in Vegas this year-no doubt about it. But with the draft looming and a top-five pick in hand, there’s a real opportunity to turn the page. The fanbase is hungry for change, and the pieces are in place to start building something new.
Whether it’s Mendoza, Moore, Simpson, or someone else entirely, the search for the next Raiders quarterback is on. And if Spytek gets it right, 2025 might be remembered not just as a low point-but as the beginning of a long-awaited turnaround.