LAS VEGAS ([FOX5](http://fox5vegas.com/)) — The Las Vegas Raiders will release quarterback Geno Smith at the start of the new league year Wednesday, the NFL reported Friday.
Smith spent one season with the Raiders after signing with the team. The move was expected, as Las Vegas holds the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Raiders made the move ahead of the March 13 deadline, at which point Smith would have received an additional $8 million in fully guaranteed salary. According to Over the Cap, releasing Smith saves the Raiders $8 million on the salary cap while resulting in $18.5 million in dead money.
FOX5 has reached out to the Raiders for additional comment.
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