Raiders Release Geno Smith, Eye Fernando Mendonza

0:00It's March 6 for the NFL. Let's get into it. Follow and subscribe for more team news every day. The Las Vegas Raiders plan to release a veteran quarterback, Gino Smith, before the New League year starts. This move frees up $8 million in salary cap space, though it comes with $18.5 million in debt money. Smith, a former pro bowl player, had a tough year as the starter. The team holds the number one overall pick in April's draft and expects to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendanza. He just led the Hoosiers to their first national championship and won this year's Heisman trophy, making him a top replacement option. Last off season, the Raiders traded a third round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for the 35-year-old Smith. In his one season with Las Vegas, he completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns. A league-high 17 interceptions. The team finished two wins and 13 losses.

1:00Smith's career started as the 39th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, with the New York Jets where he struggled on week, teams. He later backed up others before shining in Seattle with back-to-back pro bowl nods and a playoff run in 2022. Pete Carroll got fired after the 2025 season and Smith couldn't match his Seattle success in Vegas. He'll join other veterans like Kyler Murray looking for new teams ahead of the 2026 season. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. Relax deeper, reset faster, comfort you can hear. S-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com.