Why the Raiders Are Sticking With Geno Smith - Even If It Means More Losses
At this point in the season, it’s clear: the Raiders are playing the long game. And that means Geno Smith, despite his struggles, isn’t going anywhere - at least not yet.
Smith has looked like a shell of the quarterback who once earned a Pro Bowl nod. His performances have been inconsistent, and at times, downright frustrating. But even after Kenny Pickett came in and looked sharp in relief this past Sunday, there’s no indication that the Raiders are ready to make a change under center.
Why not give Pickett another shot? Or even Aidan O’Connell?
Both are young quarterbacks with something to prove. And with Smith dealing with a lingering injury, this week’s matchup against the Eagles could’ve been a natural opening to see what the backups can do.
But according to those close to the team, there’s more at play than just evaluating talent.
On Raider Nation Radio’s Morning Tailgate, longtime Raiders insider Vinny Bonsignore laid it out plainly: this isn’t about finding a spark - it’s about staying the course, even if that course leads to more losses.
“I’m being straight up… if you’re a Raider fan, you don’t need anything to come in here and some guy go out there, play with his hair on fire and win a couple of meaningless games,” Bonsignore said. “It would just be so detrimental at this point.”
Translation? Winning right now - especially with a backup QB - could actually hurt the Raiders more than help them. And that’s not something you hear often in the NFL.
But in this case, it makes sense.
The Raiders are staring down a potential top pick in a quarterback-rich draft class. Names like Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are already generating buzz, and the value of that No. 1 overall pick - whether they use it or trade it - could reshape the franchise.
So the thinking is simple: don’t risk a late-season surge that costs you draft positioning. And ironically, the best way to ensure that may be to keep Smith - the $75 million veteran they traded a third-round pick to acquire - right where he is.
It’s a strange position to be in. Normally, a quarterback struggling this badly would be benched.
But for the Raiders, sticking with Smith might be the most strategic move they can make. He’s been underwhelming, yes, but in a season where wins could get in the way of long-term goals, that might be exactly what the team needs.
There’s also the matter of continuity. Pete Carroll, now in the Raiders’ building, appears to be riding with Smith for the time being. And while GM John Spytek and part-owner Tom Brady are undoubtedly eyeing the future, they’re not tipping their hand just yet.
What we do know is this: the Raiders are playing chess, not checkers. And right now, the smartest move might be to let the season play out with Geno at the helm - even if it means enduring a few more rough Sundays.
Because if it lands them a franchise quarterback in 2026 - or the draft capital to build a contender - it’ll all be worth it.