Las Vegas finished 2024 with just four wins, despite hiring Pete Carroll as head coach, Geno Smith at quarterback, and Ashton Jeanty in the backfield. A surprising decline under Carroll culminated in his firing after a three-win season, and the team now holds the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With plans to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders appear poised to move on from Geno Smith, whose worst season in years included a league-leading 17 interceptions, 19 total touchdowns, 55 sacks, and an 84.7 passer rating. Analysts expect Smith to be released, which would free up substantial cap space but incur dead-money costs.
NFL.com analyst Matt Okada suggested a Smith release is likely unless a new regime views him as a bridge to Mendoza. The Raiders would face an $18.5 million dead-cap hit if Smith is outright released, while saving only about $8 million in cap space, creating a cost-benefit calculus for a possible transition.
There remains a scenario in which Las Vegas keeps Smith as a mentor for a rookie QB. Klint Kubiak, the incoming head coach, has some prior experience with Smith, which could facilitate a measured quarterback transition and maintain veteran leadership on the roster.
Jeanty publicly supported Smith, underscoring the veteran’s resilience despite a difficult season. The rookie running back emphasized Smith’s composure and fight, signaling a respectful dynamic within the offense even as the franchise contemplates significant changes.
