Raiders Release Geno Smith, Eye Fernando Mendoza

0:00It's March 6 for the NFL. Let's get into it. The Las Vegas Raiders have released quarterback Geno Smith after just one season with the team. The 35-year-old was let go ahead of the NFL draft, where the Raiders hold the number one pick and plan to select Indiana star Fernando, Mendoza. This move clears $8 million in cap space, though it leaves $18.5 million in dead money on the books. Smith came over in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks before the 2025 season and quickly signed a two-year deal worth $85.5 million, with $66.6 million guaranteed. Earlier this week, reports from ESPN confirmed the release as the team eyes of fresh start. Fans and analysts have mixed feelings about the decision. Smith struggled in 15 games, thrown for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. The Raiders limp to a 3 and 14 record, the worst in the league, leading to major changes including the firing of their head coach.

1:01Meanwhile, excitement is building around Mendoza. The standout college quarterback led Indiana to a national championship with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, just six interceptions, plus 276 rushing yards and seven scores. Gouts rank him as the top quarterback and number four overall prospect in this draft class. Raiders officials see Mendoza as the cornerstone for their rebuild. With the top pick locked in, all eyes are on draft night as Las Vegas aims to turn things around after a dismal year. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode, a pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.com.