Las Vegas Raiders make decision on Geno Smith’s future

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20 February 2026 at 03:33

The NFL‘s new league year is approaching, and with that comes a multitude of decisions by NFL teams. Some decisions are easy, some are difficult.

The Las Vegas Raiders have had to make a decision on quarterback Geno Smith. It appears they have made one ahead of the new league year set to begin in a few weeks.

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According to reports, the Raiders will release Smith if they cannot trade him before March 11th. While it isn’t a major shock, it is curious.

The Raiders will release Geno Smith ahead of the new league year, which will clear the way for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to start immediately.

Smith’s 2026-27 salary is set to become fully guaranteed on the third day of the new league year, if not traded or released. pic.twitter.com/KeGZt1D8ix
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 19, 2026

One might think the Raiders could have kept him to provide a veteran presence around the imminent first-round pick, Fernando Mendoza. However, this might be the best decision for a couple of reasons.

First, the most obvious one is contract-related money. Smith’s contract is set to be guaranteed three days after the new league year begins. That’s an extra $8M that can be put towards other acquisitions.

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The last one is simple: a fresh start for both parties. The Raiders hired former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who pushed for and was granted the trade for Smith from Seattle.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The duo didn’t pan out, and Carroll was let go after the season. It makes sense that Smith will also depart, as he certainly will have other opportunities to at least compete for a job.

What was once praised as a phenomenal trade acquisition concludes after only one season. Smith’s dead-cap hit will be $18.5M–a very manageable one for a quarterback contract.