Geno Smith’s Raiders Exit: A Sign of the NFL’s Quarterback Carousel
Geno Smith’s brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint with the Las Vegas Raiders is coming to an finish. The team is expected to release the 35-year-old quarterback, marking another chapter in the ever-spinning carousel of NFL quarterback moves. This decision, just one year after acquiring Smith via trade with the Seattle Seahawks and extending him with a two-year, $75 million contract, underscores the high-stakes gamble teams take on the most crucial position in football.
From Jets Promise to Raiders Disappointment
Smith’s career has been a study in contrasts. Drafted in the second round by the New York Jets in 2013, his early years were marked by flashes of potential overshadowed by inconsistency and, notably, a fractured jaw stemming from an altercation with a teammate. Subsequent stops with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers offered limited opportunities before a late-career resurgence with the Seahawks.
The Seattle Success Story
In Seattle, Smith blossomed into a Pro Bowl quarterback, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2022. He led the Seahawks with a high completion percentage and demonstrated a level of consistency that had previously eluded him. This success prompted the Raiders to trade a third-round pick for his services, hoping to pair him with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who had been hired as the Raiders’ coach.
A Failed Reunion and a Reset in Las Vegas
The reunion in Las Vegas, though, proved disastrous. Smith struggled, throwing 19 touchdowns against 17 interceptions in 15 games as the Raiders finished with a dismal 3-14 record. The team’s struggles ultimately led to the firing of Carroll and secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Releasing Smith frees up $8 million in cap space for the Raiders, though it too carries a $18.5 million dead cap hit. The Raiders reportedly “aggressively shopped” Smith in recent days, but were unable to find a trade partner.
The NFL’s Quarterback Instability
Smith’s situation highlights a growing trend in the NFL: quarterback instability. Teams are increasingly willing to move on from quarterbacks quickly, even those who have shown flashes of brilliance or signed lucrative contracts. The league’s emphasis on finding the “right” quarterback often leads to frequent roster turnover at the position.
The Darnold Connection
Interestingly, the Seahawks, who traded Smith to the Raiders, turned to another former Jet, Sam Darnold, last offseason. Darnold subsequently led Seattle to a Super Bowl victory, further illustrating the unpredictable nature of the quarterback landscape. This cycle of trades and acquisitions underscores the difficulty teams face in identifying and developing long-term solutions at quarterback.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Geno Smith?
With the Raiders moving on, Smith’s future remains uncertain. Reports suggest the Minnesota Vikings could be a potential landing spot, seeking competition for their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. However, at 35, Smith’s opportunities may be limited. His case serves as a cautionary tale for teams seeking quick fixes at the quarterback position.
FAQ
Q: Why did the Raiders release Geno Smith?
A: Smith struggled during his one season with the Raiders, and the team is moving forward with a new quarterback, likely Fernando Mendoza, whom they are expected to draft first overall.
Q: Where might Geno Smith play next?
A: The Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as a potential destination, but his options may be limited.
Q: What was Geno Smith’s contract with the Raiders?
A: He signed a two-year, $75 million contract extension with $66.5 million guaranteed.
Q: Did Geno Smith have success before joining the Raiders?
A: Yes, he had a successful season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, earning Pro Bowl honors and being named Comeback Player of the Year.
