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With the Las Vegas Raiders holding the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, many believe they will select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza. That means they will more than likely move on from incumbent starter Geno Smith. According to Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post, they could release Smith if they don’t find a trade partner.
The Minnesota Vikings are a realistic trade candidate for Geno Smith. They’re reportedly showing interest in the 35-year-old, looking for competition for starter J.J. McCarthy. There are plenty of other teams in need of a stopgap starter or quality backup that could look at Smith.
However, he is in the second year of a two-year, $75 million contract the Raiders signed him to in 2025. That’s a lot of cap for a stopgap starter/backup, and a team could pick him up for the veteran minimum if the Raiders release him.
More: NFL teams dispute Caleb Downs ‘medical red flag’ reports from Combine
Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Reno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
More: NFC team expresses interest in Browns star TE David Njoku
The Raiders are scheduled to pay another $8 million to Smith if he’s still on the roster by the third day of the new league year, which is on March 11th, 2026. They have $89.09 million in cap space, the second most in the league. With this news, they’d probably rather save that $8 million rather than hold out for value from a Smith trade.
The Raiders acquired Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 offseason for a third-round pick. Smith revitalized his career with the Seahawks, making the 2022 and 2023 Pro Bowl. With Smith joining Pete Carroll, his former head coach from Seattle, the Raiders were expected to compete for a playoff spot. They also handed Smith the two-year extension immediately after getting him.
Unfortunately, Smith bombed, throwing just 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions in the 2025 season. The Raiders went 3-14, earning them the first overall pick, and they fired Pete Carroll and hired Klint Kubiak., It’s clear the Raiders are trying to usher in a new era, which usually means a new quarterback.
The post Report: Raiders Could Release Geno Smith if No Trade Goes Through appeared first on The Big Lead.
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The Minnesota Vikings are a realistic trade candidate for Geno Smith. They’re reportedly showing interest in the 35-year-old, looking for competition for starter J.J. McCarthy. There are plenty of other teams in need of a stopgap starter or quality backup that could look at Smith.
However, he is in the second year of a two-year, $75 million contract the Raiders signed him to in 2025. That’s a lot of cap for a stopgap starter/backup, and a team could pick him up for the veteran minimum if the Raiders release him.
More: NFL teams dispute Caleb Downs ‘medical red flag’ reports from Combine
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Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Reno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
More: NFC team expresses interest in Browns star TE David Njoku
The Raiders are scheduled to pay another $8 million to Smith if he’s still on the roster by the third day of the new league year, which is on March 11th, 2026. They have $89.09 million in cap space, the second most in the league. With this news, they’d probably rather save that $8 million rather than hold out for value from a Smith trade.
Smith’s Career With the Raiders
The Raiders acquired Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 offseason for a third-round pick. Smith revitalized his career with the Seahawks, making the 2022 and 2023 Pro Bowl. With Smith joining Pete Carroll, his former head coach from Seattle, the Raiders were expected to compete for a playoff spot. They also handed Smith the two-year extension immediately after getting him.
Unfortunately, Smith bombed, throwing just 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions in the 2025 season. The Raiders went 3-14, earning them the first overall pick, and they fired Pete Carroll and hired Klint Kubiak., It’s clear the Raiders are trying to usher in a new era, which usually means a new quarterback.
The post Report: Raiders Could Release Geno Smith if No Trade Goes Through appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
