The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to release veteran quarterback Geno Smith before the start of the NFL’s new league year, barring a last-minute trade, according to multiple reports citing league sources. The move is expected to take effect before March 11 and comes after Smith completed a single season as the team’s starting quarterback.
The decision would free roughly $8 million in salary cap space for Las Vegas but leave the franchise with about $18.5 million in dead money tied to Smith’s contract, according to NFL Network and other outlets.
Smith, 35, was acquired by the Raiders from the Seattle Seahawks in March 2025 in exchange for a third-round draft pick, reuniting him with then-head coach Pete Carroll. He later agreed to a two-year contract extension worth up to $75 million, including significant guaranteed money.
During the 2025 season, Smith started 15 games and completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards, with 19 touchdowns and a league-high 17 interceptions. The Raiders finished the season 3–14, one of the worst records in the NFL.
Team performance issues and roster restructuring have followed the season. Carroll was dismissed shortly after the campaign, and the Raiders now hold the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
League analysts widely expect Las Vegas to use that pick on quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza, a move that would further signal a reset at the position.
Smith, originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, later rebuilt his career with the Seahawks, earning Pro Bowl recognition during his tenure in Seattle before joining the Raiders.
If the release proceeds as expected, Smith will enter the free-agent market when the new league year begins, allowing other teams to pursue the veteran quarterback.
The situation remains subject to final transaction processing as the NFL approaches the start of free agency.
ALSO READ: Texas Election Results Reshape Key Races Ahead of 2026 Midterms
Hannah Price is a digital journalist who covers breaking news, global events, and trending stories with accuracy and speed. She has previously contributed to several online magazines and has built a reputation for verifying facts before publishing. Hannah believes in responsible reporting and aims to present stories in a way that readers can trust.
