The Raiders released Geno Smith after one season, taking on $18.5M in dead money as the team resets at quarterback ahead of the NFL Draft
11:18 ET, 06 Mar 2026Updated 11:44 ET, 06 Mar 2026
Tom Brady officially became a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2024
View 3 Images
Tom Brady officially became a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2024(Image: Getty)
The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from quarterback Geno Smith after just one season, a decision that leaves the franchise absorbing a significant financial hit while continuing a dramatic overhaul of its roster and leadership.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders are releasing Smith ahead of the new league year unless a trade materializes. The move will create $8 million in salary cap space but leave the team carrying $18.5 million in dead money tied to Smith’s contract.
Article continues below
The decision marks a costly end to a move that once had the support of minority owner Tom Brady. During last year’s quarterback search, Brady played an influential role in discussions and reportedly backed the decision to pursue Smith rather than other options in free agency.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy doubles down on retirement decision he promises to never reverseREAD MORE: Lindsey Vonn returns to training weeks after shattering leg at Olympics
Raiders general manager John Spytek acknowledged Brady’s influence at the time while explaining the organization’s decision-making process when evaluating quarterbacks.
“When we are looking at quarterbacks, we’d have to be fools not to involve him,” Spytek told The Athletic. “Tom is the foremost expert on quarterback play I’ve ever been around.”
Spytek added: “He really respected Geno — the way he can process and throw the football.”
Tom Brady retired for good on February 1, 2023
View 3 Images
Tom Brady retired for good on February 1, 2023(Image: Getty)
Las Vegas ultimately traded for Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in March 2025, sending the 92nd overall pick in the NFL Draft to acquire the veteran quarterback. Shortly after the trade, Smith signed a two-year contract extension worth $75 million.
The move reunited Smith with head coach Pete Carroll, who had previously coached him during his time with the Seahawks. But the partnership failed to produce the results the Raiders had hoped for.
Smith threw for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns during the 2025 season but also led the NFL with 17 interceptions. The Raiders struggled throughout the year and finished with a 3–14 record, securing the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Geno Smith's season-high in interceptions is 21 in 2013
View 3 Images
Geno Smith's season-high in interceptions is 21 in 2013(Image: Getty)
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror US Sports will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
Article continues below
Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE. Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.
Follow @MirrorUSSports on Twitter : The official Mirror Sports X/Twitter account for all the latest sports news as it happens in real time.
Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, , Facebook or visit The Mirror US homepage.