Raiders sever ties with Geno Smith after one disappointing season. The veteran QB hits free agency, seeking a new opportunity after a difficult Vegas tenure.
The Las Vegas Raiders are entering free agency with a lot of things to figure out on the roster.
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak wants to add a running back, and beefing up the offensive line figures to be a priority with all signs pointing to Indiana Hoosiers star and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As for Geno Smith, the end of his time is here after just one season in Las Vegas. The Minnesota Vikings were one team linked to Smith, and they want to bring in competition for JJ McCarthy.
Now, just days before free agency, the Raiders are set to move on from Smith, as long as a trade doesn't materialize before the new league year begins.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news on Friday.
Smith was acquired by the Raiders last offseason in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
And, the Raiders now hired ex-Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, making a weird turn of events involving Smith and Kubiak.
The Raiders have been actively trying to trade Smith, but he has a $18.5M guarantee for 2026, so that isn't an easy contract to move, especially after the season Smith had in Las Vegas.
Smith played in 15 games, throwing for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, but it wasn't what the Raiders expected after trading for him and giving him a contract extension.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned the Raiders' release of Smith as "mutual" for both sides, and now the veteran hits the open market in hopes of another opportunity.
The good news for Smith is that this year's QB draft class is not very good outside of Mendoza and maybe Ty Simpson, so teams could be interested in giving Smith an opportunity.
On the other hand, the Arizona Cardinals released Kyler Murray, and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa will be a free agent, barring a last-minute trade from Miami, so that is two solid options on the market.
Smith's lone season in Las Vegas did not go well, although Chip Kelly's calling the plays didn't help, and he was fired before the end of the season.
The offensive line in Las Vegas also wasn't great, but Smith turned the ball over way too much, and that is something that will hurt his chances of landing a starting job elsewhere.