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Raiders Release Geno Smith as Franchise Clears Deck for Rookie Fernando Mendoza

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the Las Vegas Raiders plan to release 35-year-old quarterback Geno Smith unless a trade surfaces before the March 11, 2026 new league year after just one season.
After finishing 3-14 and firing head coach Pete Carroll, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top pick, making Geno Smith expendable.
Geno Smith struggled on the field, compiling poor counting stats and turnover totals in 2025, going 2-13 with 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 55 sacks, and an 84.7 passer rating.
Releasing Smith would free $8 million in cap space while creating an $18.5 million dead-cap charge, and avoids paying an additional $8.5 million in guarantees, reported by Schefter.
Prospect Fernando Mendoza said he'd welcome Tom Brady as a mentor, adding a notable storyline to the Raiders' quarterback reset, while GM John Spytek admitted he could've done more to support Geno Smith.

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Raiders expected to release Geno Smith after 1 season as starting QB

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to release quarterback Geno Smith after his one year as the starter resulted in a 3-14 season, according to multiple reports.

6 hours ago

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Fox News

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Raiders to move on from Geno Smith after one season despite $75 million extension: reports

Geno Smith led the NFL with 17 interceptions last season and will reportedly be released by the Las Vegas Raiders before the start of the new league year.

8 hours ago·New York, United States

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Dominion Post

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Former WVU quarterback Geno Smith released by Las Vegas Raiders - The Dominion Post

Former West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith will be looking for a new home for the 2026 season. Smith is expected to be released by the Las Vegas Raiders, barring a […] The post Former WVU quarterback Geno Smith released by Las Vegas Raiders appeared first on The Dominion Post.

9 hours ago·Wellington, New Zealand

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Center

Geno Smith out, Fernando Mendoza in for the Las Vegas Raiders?

The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing quarterback Geno Smith after just one season. After a 3-14 season, they've got the first pick in the draft.

11 hours ago·Spain

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Outkick

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Geno Smith Happy To Be Released Unharmed By Las Vegas Raiders

To say Geno Smith enjoyed his time with the Las Vegas Raiders would be a gross exaggeration because, well, he didn't love the losing or the injuries or watching his coach Pete Carroll get fired after one season.The Raiders didn't love the experience much either – especially with Smith leading the NFL with 17 interceptions.So the sides are going their separate ways. The Raiders have told Smith he'll be released by the start of the new NFL league …

11 hours ago·Nashville, United States

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