The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall selection in the upcoming draft. This development raises questions about the future of veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who joined the Raiders from the Seattle Seahawks last year. It appears that Smith”s time with the team may be coming to an end or he could find himself in a backup role.
“Looking at all options right now,” stated Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak during a press conference at the scouting combine this week. “Watching Geno play last year, obviously very familiar with what he had done before. We”re just kind of putting it all on the table right now, trying to see every possible avenue we can go right now at quarterback. He”s definitely one of those options we”re considering.”
Kubiak, who recently led the Seahawks to a victory in Super Bowl LX, mentioned that he has had some conversations with Smith since taking over the coaching position. Their relationship predates Smith”s trade to Las Vegas, giving Kubiak insight into the quarterback”s capabilities.
Smith is under contract with the Raiders until 2027, having signed a two-year, $75 million extension last April. His future with the franchise now hinges on the team”s decisions as they prepare for the draft and explore all quarterback options available to them.
