In Las Vegas, going all-in is more common than not.
The Las Vegas Raiders attempted to push all their chips into the middle of the table this past NFL season, and they ended up busting, now left heading to the ATM to see if they can start all over.
After failing to gain traction in Sin City since moving from Oakland, the Raiders’ brain trust was excited for the 2025 campaign.
They had Tom Brady as a more visible face of the franchise. They signed legendary Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll. And most importantly, they found their franchise guy in Geno Smith, who could elevate them into the playoffs like he’d done prior with the Seattle Seahawks.
That didn’t happen. The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold instead, won the Super Bowl, and Smith delivered a woeful 2025, leading the Raiders to the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and selecting his replacement.
On Friday, the Raiders informed Smith that his short tenure in Vegas was over and that he would be released when the new NFL season officially begins on Monday.
Smith signed a two-year, $75 million contract with the Raiders this past offseason, including $66.5 million guaranteed.
While the former Seahawk will get to enjoy his money, it won’t be in Las Vegas, as they’re looking towards their future with projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
Instead of wanting the elder Smith to mentor the young Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, they’d rather save a bit of cap space, opening up $8 million.
It’s a blow to Smith’s ego, who silenced critics who thought his career was over before having a massive resurgence in Seattle. Now 35, it’ll be difficult for the veteran to find another chance to start following a disastrous stint with the Raiders.
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