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“He’s Out” Adam Schefter Announces 2x Pro Bowl Starting QB Was Cut, Bombshell News Follows…

Adam Schefter has once again delivered a massive NFL off-season bombshell, announcing via ESPN sources that the Las Vegas Raiders are set to release veteran quarterback Geno Smith barring a trade before the new league year begins.

The news has gone viral across the league, sparking immediate reactions from fans, analysts, and front offices as teams evaluate the sudden availability of a proven starting-caliber QB. The move clears $8 million in salary cap space for the Raiders while saddling them with $18.5 million in dead money—a calculated step toward a full quarterback reset.

Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Adam Schefter broadcasts from the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Adam Schefter Drops Bombshell: Las Vegas Raiders Releasing Geno Smith

Geno Smith joined the Raiders in March 2025 via trade from the Seattle Seahawks and quickly signed a two-year, $75 million extension (with up to $85.5 million possible) that included $66.5 million guaranteed.

He started last season but struggled amid organizational transition, including a midseason coaching change. With the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and widely expected to select a top quarterback prospect, releasing Smith aligns with building around a rookie while managing the cap.

Geno Smith’s Brief but High-Profile Raiders Tenure

The Raiders originally acquired Geno Smith for a 2025 third-round pick to reunite him with then-head coach Pete Carroll. The subsequent extension reflected early optimism about his leadership and production. However, with a new regime in place and premium draft capital incoming at the position, the organization is ready to move on from the veteran bridge option.

The deadline to avoid additional guarantees—including an $8 million trigger on the third day of the new league year—has forced the Raiders’ hand. A pre-league-year release or trade represents the cleanest path forward; if no deal materializes, Las Vegas will absorb the dead money hit but gain immediate cap flexibility to address other roster needs.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Adam Schefter’s Scoop: What’s Next for Geno Smith in Free Agency

At 35, Geno Smith remains a capable veteran with Pro Bowl experience, starting pedigree, and leadership qualities that could appeal to teams needing a bridge quarterback, reliable backup, or competition. A release would likely make him available at a reduced rate, especially given the dead money context. Early interest has surfaced from clubs like the New York Jets, who are actively searching for veteran quarterback options this offseason.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, Adam Schefter’s report confirms a clear pivot toward a new era at the game’s most important position. The team now has significant cap room to pursue upgrades elsewhere while preparing to draft their franchise quarterback of the future.

Stay tuned for more on Adam Schefter’s breaking news, Geno Smith’s next destination, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback plans, salary cap strategy, and all the latest NFL offseason developments.