Raiders Release Geno Smith, Clear Path for Mendoza

0:00For the NFL, it's March 6th, here's what's happening. The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from quarterback Geno Smith. They plan to release him at the start of the New League year next week, unless they find a trade partner first. This clears about $8 million in cap space, though it comes with $18.5 million in dead money. The big reason is set them up to pick Fernando Mendoza, number one overall, in the 2026 draft next month, with him stepping right in as their starter. Over the past few days, the Raiders have been aggressively shopping Smith around the league. They picked him up from the Seattle Seahawks a year ago to reunite him with former head coach Pete Carroll. Right after that, in early April, they gave him a two-year extension worth $75 million. Smith's time in Las Vegas didn't pan out in the 2025 season. The 35-year-old completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards, with 19 touchdowns and a

1:00Lee Kai 17 interceptions over 15 games. The whole team struggled alongside him. Fans and analysts see this as a fresh start for the Raiders, who need a long-term answer at quarterback. Smith's release impacts their roster rebuild, freeing up resources by highlighting another failed experiment under Carroll. Speaking ahead, Smith could still land as a bridge starter for a team in need this offseason. He had success before, leading the Seahawks to 27 wins and one playoff run from 2022 to 2024. Keep an eye on where he ends up next. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage, lay back. Press play, let the pillow do the rest. Sound meets comfort. S.O.L.I. at solipilo.com.