The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to release veteran quarterback Geno Smith, ending his short and disappointing stint with the franchise. The move comes as the team prepares for the upcoming league year and looks to reshape its roster for the future.
Smith joined the Raiders with hopes of stabilizing the quarterback position, but the partnership did not produce the expected results. After just one season, the team is now clearing the path for a new direction at quarterback.
By releasing Smith, the Raiders will create about $8 million in salary-cap space, although they will still carry $18.5 million in dead money on the books.
Geno Smith’s 2025 Season With the Raiders
The 2025 season proved to be extremely challenging for both Smith and the Raiders. The team struggled throughout the year and finished with a poor record while trying to rebuild around a new system.
Smith started most of the games during the season but struggled with turnovers and consistency.
2025 Season Performance
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Team Record as Starter | 2–13 |
| Interceptions | 17 (League High) |
| Status | Released after season |
The high interception total and lack of offensive support made it difficult for Smith to lead the team effectively.
Raiders Planning Major Changes at Quarterback
The decision to release Smith signals a clear reset for the Raiders. The team is expected to move forward with a new quarterback strategy, possibly focusing on younger talent and rebuilding the offense.
Las Vegas originally traded a third-round pick to acquire Smith, but the move did not deliver the expected results. When trade attempts failed this offseason, the team chose to release him instead.
This move allows the franchise to reset financially and structurally before the next season.
Smith’s Strong Run in Seattle Before Raiders Move
Although his Raiders season was disappointing, Smith had previously enjoyed a career resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks.
During his time in Seattle, Smith revived his career and played some of the best football of his life.
Geno Smith with the Seahawks
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3 |
| Record as Starter | 27–22 |
| Touchdowns | 71 |
| Interceptions | 35 |
| Pro Bowl Selections | 2 |
His strong performance in Seattle made him a respected veteran quarterback around the league.
Potential Landing Spots for Geno Smith
Now that Smith has become a free agent, several teams could consider adding him as a veteran option. One team that may be worth watching is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are exploring multiple quarterback options this offseason.
The Steelers have recently relied on experienced quarterbacks to stabilize the position. With uncertainty around their future plans, Smith could become an intriguing option for them or other teams looking for veteran leadership.
Geno Smith’s NFL Career Overview
Smith has had a long and unpredictable career in the NFL. Despite ups and downs, he has remained a capable quarterback with experience as both a starter and backup.
Career Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Quarterback |
| Pro Bowls | 2 |
| Notable Teams | Seahawks, Raiders |
| Career Highlight | Comeback success with Seattle |
His ability to adapt and bounce back from setbacks has been a defining feature of his professional career.
At this stage of his career, Smith still offers valuable experience and leadership. Teams that need a veteran quarterback — either as a starter or mentor — could show interest in signing him.
While his time in Las Vegas ended sooner than expected, Smith’s experience and previous success suggest he could still have opportunities in the league.
For now, the veteran quarterback enters free agency hoping to start a new chapter and prove he can still contribute at the NFL level.
