The Las Vegas Raiders are officially in reset mode - again. But this time, the shakeup feels more foundational than cosmetic.
With Klint Kubiak taking over as head coach and all signs pointing toward the Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, the franchise is clearly steering into a new era. And if Mendoza is indeed the choice, don’t expect him to sit and learn - he’s widely expected to start Week 1.
That means Geno Smith, who started for the Raiders in 2025, is likely on the way out.
Smith’s lone season in silver and black was, frankly, a rough ride. The numbers tell part of the story - 19 touchdowns, a league-high 17 interceptions, 55 sacks, and a passer rating of just 84.7.
But the tape paints an even uglier picture. The offense struggled to find rhythm, and Smith never looked comfortable behind a shaky line with limited weapons around him.
Now, with Pete Carroll - the man who reportedly pushed for Smith’s acquisition - no longer in the building, there’s little reason for the new regime to hang onto a quarterback who simply didn’t deliver.
Financially, the Raiders have options. Smith is on a $75 million contract, and while cutting him would leave an $18.5 million dead-cap hit, it would also free up $8 million in space. For a team sitting on $91.5 million in cap room, that’s a manageable loss - especially if they’re fully committing to the Mendoza era.
A trade is always possible, and Las Vegas will likely explore that route first. But given Smith’s 2025 performance and his contract, a release feels more probable.
That doesn’t mean Smith’s NFL story is over. Two teams to keep an eye on: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings.
In Pittsburgh, the quarterback situation is murky. Aaron Rodgers’ future is still undecided, and if he retires or moves on, the Steelers will need a veteran presence to compete with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Smith, despite his struggles, could offer enough experience to keep the offense afloat while the team sorts out its long-term plans.
Minnesota’s situation is a bit different. J.J.
McCarthy is still viewed as a potential franchise guy, but his 2025 campaign didn’t do much to solidify that status. The Vikings could use a veteran to push McCarthy or serve as insurance if he doesn’t take a leap in Year 3.
And Kevin O’Connell has a track record of getting the most out of quarterbacks who’ve lost their way.
It’s worth noting that Smith’s 2025 numbers didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Raiders’ offense was a mess.
Chip Kelly’s play-calling never clicked, the offensive line was inconsistent, and the receiving corps lacked top-end talent. It wasn’t just Smith - the entire unit was disjointed.
Before landing in Las Vegas, Smith had a solid run in Seattle, winning 28 games over five seasons and leading the Seahawks to the playoffs. In the right environment, there’s a chance he could find that form again.
Minnesota, with a more stable offensive infrastructure, could be that environment. If Smith ends up there and clicks with O’Connell’s system, don’t be surprised if the Vikings are back in the playoff picture come 2026.
As for Pittsburgh, Mike McCarthy has worked well with veteran quarterbacks in the past. Smith wouldn’t be Rodgers - not even close - but he could be enough to keep the Steelers competitive while they search for their next franchise cornerstone.
One thing’s clear: the Raiders are moving on. Whether Geno Smith gets another shot elsewhere will depend on whether teams believe his 2025 season was a fluke - or a sign of decline.