The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to part ways with quarterback Geno Smith after just one season with the team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders released Smith on Friday, a move that was widely anticipated given the team’s disappointing performance last season and their position in the upcoming NFL Draft.
By releasing Smith, the Raiders will free up $8 million in salary cap space, although they will incur $18.5 million in dead money. Smith’s lone season with the Raiders was underwhelming, as he threw for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns, but also led the NFL with 17 interceptions. The writing was on the wall for Smith after the Raiders finished with a 3-14 record and secured the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
The Raiders are expected to use their top pick to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who had a stellar season last year, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the Hoosiers to their first national championship. This move is just the latest in a series of changes for the Raiders this offseason, which included the firing of head coach Pete Carroll after just one season with the team.
Carroll, who had previously coached Smith during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, has been replaced by former Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kubiak took the job after leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory earlier this year. Smith, who was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, has had a tumultuous career, spending time with several teams, including the Jets, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Chargers.
After serving as a backup for several years, Smith revived his career with the Seahawks in 2022, earning two Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023. However, after the Seahawks decided to move on with Sam Darnold, Smith was traded to the Raiders, where he was expected to continue his strong performance. Unfortunately, that did not happen, and the Raiders have now moved on from Smith.
With Mendoza likely to take over as the team’s new quarterback, Smith will have the opportunity to start fresh with a new team. However, what the future holds for Smith at this stage of his career remains to be seen. This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Las Vegas Raiders release quarterback Geno Smith?
The Raiders released Smith due to the team's disappointing performance last season and to free up salary cap space for the upcoming NFL Draft, incurring $18.5 million in dead money while saving $8 million.
What were Geno Smith's stats during his time with the Raiders?
Smith threw for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns, but also led the NFL with 17 interceptions in his lone season with the team.
What is the Raiders' plan with their No. 1 overall pick in the draft?
The Raiders are expected to use their top pick to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who had a stellar season last year.
What was the outcome of the Raiders' season that led to the decision to release Geno Smith?
The Raiders finished with a 3-14 record, securing the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and paving the way for a potential reboot at the quarterback position.
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