Shortly after the Las Vegas Raiders‘ release of quarterback Geno Smith became public on Friday, the two-time Pro Bowler aired his thoughts.
Last season didn't go as planned for Smith after a career resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 and 2024. Smith struggled with the Raiders in 2025, where he went 2-13 and completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns versus 17 interceptions.
Despite the discouragements of recent months, Smith showed confidence in his future when he texted Exhibit New Network reporter Josina Anderson on Friday. Smith wrote, "onward and upward" in his text to Anderson.
Adversity isn't new for Smith. He spent six seasons as a backup in the NFL after a failed attempt as a starter with the New York Jets in 2013 and 2014.
That said, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the release was "a mutual parting" of ways. Las Vegas has the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and looks primed to take Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
Smith's next step could lead to any number of places for a starting job, as numerous NFL teams have significant quarterback needs. Fowler noted that Smith is a "consideration for the [Minnesota] Vikings, among others" in free agency.
Minnesota needs a veteran quarterback after J.J. McCarthy failed to live up to the starting role as a former No. 10 draft pick. The Vikings at least want a veteran to push McCarthy to improve, if not take over the starting job in 2026.
Other teams to watch for include the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and, yes, even the Jets. All four teams have uncertainties at starting quarterback or are poised to move on from their respective starters.
Arizona looks set to cut quarterback Kyler Murray, which could allow Smith to land a starting job. The Cardinals are unlikely to find a franchise quarterback in this year's draft with the No. 3 pick.
Cleveland has a continual carousel in its own quarterback room, but Smith would become the most seasoned and successful signal caller in that room. No one truly secured the starting job last year, despite rookie Shedeur Sanders winding up a Pro Bowl reserve.
Pittsburgh will have Aaron Rodgers back if he doesn't retire. If Rodgers retires, the Steelers could roll with a second former Seahawks quarterback in three years with Smith.
New York needs a starter after Justin Fields fizzled out in 2025. Smith has been away from the Jets since 2016, so it wouldn't be impossible, but there would be baggage from the past.
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