The Raiders are widely expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the 2026 draft, putting Geno Smith‘s future in Las Vegas in doubt.
Smith, 35, joined the Raiders last offseason via a trade with the Seahawks, where he started for the last four years. He signed a two-year, $75MM extension last offseason that included $18.5MM in guaranteed salary in 2026.
But after a noticeable drop in play last season – including a league-high 17 interceptions – and the coaching change from Pete Carroll to Klint Kubiak, Smith is no longer the Raiders’ quarterback of the future. At the Combine this week, Kubiak said that the team was “looking at all options right now,” and said that the 12-year veteran was among the considerations.
Kubiak and Smith are technically reuniting in Las Vegas, as the former arrived as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator a few months before the latter was traded. While Kubiak may not have pushed for the move, it is hard to ignore the timing – and the subsequent seasons of each team involved. The two have talked “a little bit” since Kubiak came aboard in Las Vegas.
Unless the Raiders move off of Mendoza in the next few months, Smith is likely to be out of a starting job later this year. He may not want to spend his age-36 season as a backup on a rebuilding team and could seek a trade. He may not have much value after a rough season, but teams may also ascribe some of his struggles to the dearth of talent around him. Teams in need of a bridge starter – which could include his former team, the Jets – might be interested, and the Raiders would be wise to consider it. They need to spend aggressively this offseason to meet the NFL’s minimum spending requirement – 90% of the salary cap in three-year cycles – so they can afford to eat Smith’s 2026 salary. That would make him more enticing to other teams and raise his trade value.
Otherwise, the Raiders should keep Smith as an experienced mentor for Mendoza in his first season. Typically, a No. 1 pick plays right away, but Las Vegas could start Smith initially in 2026 and give Mendoza more time to get adjusted to the NFL, especially as the team figures out its offensive line situation. He could also become a valuable trade chip during the season if any team were to lose their starting quarterback.
I dont see Geno Smith as a mentor.
Why?
Texas overcome a ot but has shown tendencies ro anger at times with team and player issues.
Tom whiffed on Carroll & Smith last year!
Because he wanted Vrabel and Vrabel wanted the Pats. Can’t blame him really.
I read Tom wanted the Bears HC as well. Either way, that was an ugly season for his rookie year as owner.
Cut or trade Geno, keep AOC and sign a vet like Wentz or Cousins as a ‘mentor’ for the entire QB room.
Geno, Kyler, Tua and Fields make an interesting quartet of release candidates with guaranteed money. Makes them virtually free to any team that signs them.
No point to this comment, just an observation.
No they aren’t.
Send him to Minnesota and let him and JJ have a mid offfff.
Here’s a deal for you. Bears move DJ Moore and Tyson Bagent for Maxx Crosby. You get a WR and and a QB to compete with Mendoza and the Bears get a pass rush. Who says no?
Everyone with a brain says hell no.
Let me know when you find a sucker to give you 2 first round picks for a DE with a bum knee on the other side of 30. No matter how good he is. Does the name Hendricksen ring a bell? That’s a GM who needs firing.
Moore, Bagent and a 4th round pick could seal the deal. I really dont feel Bagent could ever hold up for 17 games as a starter anywhere though. I hope he proves me wrong if a team does makes him a starter.
I doubt you get much for DJ at that salary. Bagent is no better than AOC.
Uh huh…sure 🤣