The Las Vegas Raidersreleased quarterback Geno Smith on March 6, 2026. This decision comes only one year after the team acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks. To get Smith in 2025, the Raiders traded a third-round draft pick. That pick was the 92nd overall selection. The team wanted Smith to play for Pete Carroll who was the head coach at the time.
The Raiders traded a third-round pick to Seattle last year to acquire Geno Smith.
He still is owed $18.5 million guaranteed from Las Vegas in 2026. But the Raiders are clearing the deck at quarterback for the expected selection of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. https://t.co/Grzmwaw2zz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026
The 2025 season was difficult for the team and the player. The Raiders finished the year with 3 wins and 14 losses. Because of these results, the team fired Pete Carroll. Smith also struggled on the field. He threw for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns but he also led the NFL with 17 interceptions.
The timing of this release is a financial decision. The Raiders had to act before March 13, 2026. If Smith had remained on the roster past that date, he would have received another $8.5 million in guaranteed money.
Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith
Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws in the first quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By releasing him now, the team saves $8 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. However, the Raiders still owe him a large amount of money. The team must pay $18.5 million in dead money, as that amount was already guaranteed under his contract.
This move shows the Raiders are changing their quarterback strategy. The team holds the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Most experts expect the Raiders to select Fernando Mendoza with that pick. Mendoza is a quarterback from Indiana. He won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship in 2025.
The Raiders currently have Aidan O’Connell and Kenny Pickett on the roster. The team might look to free agency for a veteran quarterback to help these players. This would allow Mendoza to learn the professional game before he starts a match. The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April.
Fernando Mendoza excited about potential future with Raiders Amid Geno Smith Talk
Fernando Mendozarecently met with the Las Vegas Raiders at the 2026 NFL Combine. The Indiana quarterback liked the meeting very much. He said the interview was “fantastic” and “great.” Mendoza enjoyed talking about football plays with the coaches. He thinks the team has a great culture.
Fernando Mendoza’s true thoughts on being a potential Raider 🏈#NFL #LasVegasRaiders #FernandoMendoza #NFLDraft #Raiders #2026NFLDraft #Heisman #Mendoza #NFLCombine https://t.co/R5YiTROkL0
— AS USA (@English_AS) February 18, 2026
The young star is also happy because of Tom Brady. Brady is part of the Raiders ownership group. Mendoza thinks being mentored by Brady would “mean so much” to him. He even spoke to Brady on the phone during his interview. He called that moment “very special.”
Mendoza is the top choice for the draft. He would be happy to play for any team.