After one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team is set to release quarterback Geno Smith once free agency commences. According to sources, the Raiders’ release of Smith will open up $8.5 million in cap space while taking almost $20 million in dead money. The veteran originally signed a two-year contract with the Raiders, but since the plan for the team is to draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, it makes sense for the team to move on. Either way, the writing was on the wall for the quarterback, and now he joins the likes of Kyler Murray, Malik Willis and Russell Wilson, who are available to sign this Monday.
Selected as a second-round pick, the former West Virginia product’s time is ticking. He is no longer a full-time starter in the NFL, as he will likely join teams to be a bridge quarterback. It’s hard to envision that he will have a job soon, given the state of the quarterback market, but he should be able to find a home before the start of training camp. The former two-time Pro Bowler and NFL Comeback Player of the Year may have taken a major step back during the 2025 regular season, but needed a scenery change.
In 15 starts with the Raiders, Smith threw for 19 touchdowns for 3,025 yards while recording a league high of 17 interceptions. Granted, the veteran didn’t have the best supporting cast in Las Vegas despite having former head coach Pete Carroll in his corner. It has been a circus for both veterans, but Smith could recapture some of the magic for one last run with these three teams.
BREAKING: Raiders Set to Release Former Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith – 3 Teams Who Could Be Interested
Potential Next Teams
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are also set to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, but they plan to bring in competition for Michael Penix Jr. after a disastrous 2025 regular season. Atlanta has options, and even though Smith might be the last name on their list, new head coach Kevin Stefanski could consider everything on the table. Stefanski had several quarterbacks on the roster in Cleveland, and that could very well be the same here in Atlanta.
Smith probably won’t win the starting job for the Falcons, but it gives him a chance to be put in the spotlight for a different team. The Falcons could draft a quarterback instead and take Smith as their bridge.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are another team that is looking to challenge JJ McCarthy. It’s rumored that the team could move on from him, but it’s way too early. Similar to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, Kevin O’Connell is one of the better coaches in the league. After what Sam Darnold became, Geno Smith might be able to revitalize himself in Minnesota. Smith has the experience and mindset to get himself back in Pro Bowl form, but he needs a better supporting cast.
Minnesota might be the best fit for Smith to get back to his old self and get the Vikings to appear in the postseason.
New York Jets
While the Jets are nowhere near being a playoff team, they could entertain a reunion. New York will need a mentor for whoever they take with the No. 4 pick of this year’s draft. Smith is no longer starting, and with him being familiar with the Jets, he could be the perfect fit. Who knows? Smith could be starting if the new quarterback in New York isn’t ready.