Raiders Expected to Release Geno Smith After 1 Season as Starting QB

Las Vegas — The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to move on from quarterback Geno Smith after a single season that ended with a league-worst 3-14 record, multiple sources confirmed Tuesday.

Smith, 35, is scheduled to be released once the new league year begins, clearing both a roster spot and significant salary-cap space as the franchise zeroes in on California quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in next week’s NFL draft. A trade remains theoretically possible, but barring a last-minute deal the veteran will become an unrestricted free agent.

The anticipated divorce ends a brief but expensive marriage. Las Vegas sent a 2025 third-round selection to the Seattle Seahawks last March to acquire Smith, then immediately signed him to a two-year, $75 million extension. Smith started 15 games, compiling 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions while guiding an offense that finished near the bottom of most major categories.

News of the looming release broke Tuesday afternoon; within minutes Smith posted a succinct message on social media.

“God is the GREATEST,” he wrote on X. “THANK U LORD.”

The Raiders have not commented publicly, but parting ways with Smith positions the organization for a full reset under center. Mendoza, the strong-armed Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, is widely expected to have his name called first on draft night, giving Las Vegas a new face of the franchise and a potential franchise quarterback on a rookie contract.

For Smith, the move opens an uncertain free-agency path for a passer who will be 36 before training camp. Several quarterback-needy clubs could view the 2013 second-round pick as a short-term starter or high-end backup, though his 2026 performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized by suitors.

Las Vegas, meanwhile, gains valuable cap flexibility to continue reshaping a roster that managed just three victories a year ago. With Smith’s departure all but official, the Raiders can accelerate their rebuild around a new signal-caller and a fresh coaching vision.