Geno Smith out, Fernando Mendoza in for the Las Vegas Raiders?

The Las Vegas Raiders released veteran quarterback Geno Smith, essentially clearing the runway for a franchise reset at quarterback.

Smith’s tenure in Las Vegas lasted just one turbulent season. The veteran quarterback struggled to stabilize the offense during a difficult 2025 campaign that ended with a 3–14 record. Despite flashes of the efficiency that once made him a comeback star earlier in his career, turnovers and inconsistency plagued the offense throughout the season.

Smith arrived in Las Vegas amid hopes he could provide stability after years of quarterback uncertainty. Instead, the Raiders will absorb a significant dead-cap hit while saving only a portion of his salary by releasing him. It’s a costly decision, but one that signals the front office is prioritizing long-term flexibility over short-term stability.

Now, with Smith out of the picture, the Raiders are positioned to turn the page entirely.

Clearing the runway for Fernando Mendoza

With the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Las Vegas is widely expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the one prospect in this year’s class viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone.

Unlike some recent quarterback groups that featured multiple first-round options, the 2026 class has largely revolved around Mendoza. His size, arm strength, and pocket presence have made him the consensus top passer on most draft boards, and many around the league believe he’ll be the first name called.

By releasing Smith now, the Raiders remove any ambiguity about their quarterback room heading into draft season. Instead of juggling a veteran starter and a rookie project, Las Vegas could potentially build the offense around Mendoza from day one.

The Raiders have spent years searching for stability under center. Since the departure of long-time starter Derek Carr, the team has cycled through several short-term options without finding a lasting answer. Cutting Smith suggests the franchise is finally ready to stop patching the position and instead commit to a full reset.

Rookie quarterbacks offer not just long-term potential, but also salary-cap flexibility, a valuable asset for a roster that still needs reinforcements across multiple positions. If Mendoza is the pick, the Raiders would effectively begin a new era centered on his development.

Selecting a quarterback first overall always carries enormous pressure, and Mendoza would arrive in Las Vegas with significant expectations. But the Raiders’ decision to release Smith indicates the organization may already be preparing for that reality.

Rather than entering training camp with a veteran placeholder, the path is now open for Mendoza to step directly into the spotlight, and into the starting lineup.

What happens next for Geno Smith?

While Smith’s time with the Raiders didn’t go as planned, his release could still spark interest across the league. At 35, he remains an experienced quarterback capable of serving as a bridge starter or a high-level backup. Teams with uncertain quarterback room, or those planning to draft a young passer, could view Smith as a valuable veteran presence.

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