The Las Vegas Raiders are likely to undergo another head coaching change in the offseason. That won’t be the only major change.
Quarterback Geno Smith has been a disaster for the team this season, which means he’s also on the chopping block once the season ends.
Head coach Pete Carroll is likely the only reason Smith hasn’t been benched for poor play yet. The Raiders aren’t going to want to go into next season with Smith as the starting quarterback, but they are also going to get hit with an $18.5 million dead salary cap hit if they do cut him.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Raiders are more likely to cut Smith, but it’s not impossible that they’ll find a trade partner for the veteran quarterback.
“Smith, 35, is owed $18.5 million in guaranteed money in 2026, so the Las Vegas Raiders can move on if they choose. It’s hard to fathom any quarterback playing well in that offense this season, so it’s tough to crush Smith too much for the bad trip to Vegas,” Howe wrote. “Regardless of who deserves the brunt of the blame, the Raiders have to take a hard look in the mirror this offseason and recognize how far away they are from challenging for an AFC West title. Smith could be useful to a team that’s better stocked around the QB.
“The Raiders are currently lined up for the No. 2 pick in the draft, so they could use a first-round pick on a QB for the first time since 2007 with JaMarcus Russell. It’s not entirely inconceivable the Raiders could land a late-round pick for Smith in a trade, but a release could be the more likely option if the Raiders decide to part ways.”
Which Team Could Have Interest in Smith?
While his first season in Las Vegas has been a mess, Smith has proven in the past that he can play well in a more stable situation. The obvious team that could be a fit for him is the Indianapolis Colts.
Head coach Shane Steichen was Smith’s quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. The team lost Daniel Jones to a torn Achilles tendon recently, which will likely hold him out for much of the 2025 season.
Smith knows Steichen and could be the perfect bridge quarterback for 2026. Prior to this season, Smith would’ve almost unanimously have been considered a better quarterback than Jones. Perhaps landing with a quarterback guru like Steichen could help him return to form.
Could Raiders Consider Bringing Smith Back?
Even if the Raiders get the No. 1 pick and take a quarterback like Fernando Mendoza, there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to play as a rookie. It’s always wise to pair rookie quarterbacks with veterans.
Smith has a lot of experience as a backup, and the Raiders have to pay him a hefty sum regardless. If they can’t find a trade partner for the quarterback, it might not be the worst idea to let him stick around for one more season. Though he’s had some drama with fans, Smith’s teammates continue to speak highly of him.
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