The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to release quarterback Geno Smith, contingent on the outcome of potential trade discussions before the onset of the new league year on March 11. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the 36-year-old Smith will depart after only one season with the team.
During his time with the Raiders, Smith saw a marked decline in performance. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,025 yards, resulting in a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 19:17. This follows a three-year period of resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks from 2022 to 2024, where he had significantly better results.
The Raiders are expected to pursue a new starting quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling a shift in their strategy for the upcoming season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the team has actively sought a trade for Smith in recent days. However, it appears more likely that he will find interest in the free agent market rather than through a trade that would require teams to give up draft capital.
Despite missing the final week of the season due to an ankle injury, Smith does not seem to be suffering from any lingering health issues, suggesting he is ready to continue his career elsewhere. This move, while marking the end of Smith’s tenure in Las Vegas, could open new opportunities for him in a different setting, allowing him to contribute to another team’s success moving forward.