Raiders Reportedly Release QB Geno Smith, Clear Path for Fernando Mendoza
#Geno Smith #Las Vegas Raiders #NFL free agency #quarterback #Fernando Mendoza #release #interceptions
📌 Key Takeaways
- The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing quarterback Geno Smith ahead of NFL free agency.
- Smith struggled in his only season with the Raiders, posting a 2-13 record as a starter and leading the NFL with 17 interceptions.
- His release clears a path for Fernando Mendoza and creates $18.5 million in dead money for the Raiders.
- Smith joins a free-agent quarterback class that includes notable veterans like Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, and Kyler Murray.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
NFL Transactions, Quarterback Market
📚 Related People & Topics
Geno Smith
American football player (born 1990)
Eugene Cyril Smith III (born October 10, 1990) is an American professional football quarterback. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers, receiving first-team All-Big East honors in 2011, and was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. Smith spe...
Fernando Mendoza
American football player (born 2003)
Fernando Gabriel Mendoza V (born October 1, 2003) is an American college football quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers. Mendoza previously played for the California Golden Bears before transferring to Indiana in 2025, where he won the Heisman Trophy among other awards en route to a national champion...
Las Vegas Raiders
National Football League franchise in the Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The Raiders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team plays its home games at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because it significantly reshapes the Raiders' quarterback situation and creates ripple effects across the NFL free agency market. The release affects Raiders fans and the team's competitive outlook for the upcoming season, while also impacting Geno Smith's career trajectory and the broader quarterback market. The move signals the Raiders are committing to a new direction with Fernando Mendoza, potentially sacrificing short-term stability for long-term development. This decision also has financial implications, as the team will carry $18.5 million in dead money while seeking a new backup or developmental quarterback.
Context & Background
- Geno Smith was acquired by the Raiders from the Seahawks in 2023 for a third-round draft pick, indicating the team initially saw him as a potential starter or bridge quarterback
- Smith's 2-13 record as a starter with the Raiders represents one of the worst single-season performances by a starting quarterback in recent NFL history
- The Raiders have struggled with quarterback stability since Derek Carr's departure, cycling through multiple starters including Jimmy Garoppolo, Aidan O'Connell, and now Smith
- Fernando Mendoza is an undrafted rookie who showed promise in limited preseason action, suggesting the Raiders see potential in developing younger talent
- The NFL's quarterback market is experiencing unusual volatility this offseason with multiple veteran starters becoming available simultaneously
What Happens Next
Geno Smith will immediately become a free agent and can sign with any team, likely as a backup given his recent performance. The Raiders will need to address their quarterback depth chart behind Fernando Mendoza, potentially through free agency or the draft. Look for the Raiders to possibly sign a veteran backup in the coming weeks, with options like Joe Flacco or Sam Darnold potentially available. The team's decision will become clearer during the NFL draft in late April, where they may select a quarterback to develop alongside Mendoza.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Raiders are making a football decision prioritizing performance over finances, deciding Smith's poor play outweighs the financial hit. This 'dead money' will count against their salary cap regardless, so they're cutting their losses on the field. The move creates roster flexibility and sends a message about performance standards.
Fernando Mendoza is an undrafted rookie quarterback who impressed coaches during preseason and practice sessions with his athleticism and decision-making. The Raiders see him as a developmental prospect with potential upside. His promotion suggests the team wants to evaluate young talent rather than continue with veteran underperformers.
Teams needing experienced backup quarterbacks or mentors for young starters could show interest in Smith. Organizations with offensive systems similar to what Smith ran successfully in Seattle might see potential for a rebound. However, his recent performance likely limits him to backup roles rather than starting opportunities.
The $18.5 million owed to Smith becomes 'dead money' that counts against the Raiders' 2024 salary cap, reducing their spending flexibility. This financial hit may limit their ability to sign other free agents or extend current players. The team is essentially paying a premium to move on from a failed experiment.
The Raiders will likely still consider drafting a quarterback, possibly in the middle rounds, to create competition and depth behind Mendoza. They may prioritize other positions early in the draft since they've committed to giving Mendoza a chance. The release increases the urgency to add quarterback depth through multiple avenues.