After parting ways with the Raiders, Geno Smith expressed his thoughts candidly. The previous season in Las Vegas was one to forget, as the team finished with a dismal record of 3-14, the worst in the league. Despite the team”s struggles, Smith found moments of appreciation during his time in the locker room. With the franchise now fully committed to a rebuilding strategy, they have officially released Smith on March 6, 2026, aiming to pave the way for a brighter future.
For Smith, the past season was a complete ordeal. His performance, which fell short of expectations, coupled with the team”s consistent failures week after week, led to a disastrous campaign. As the Raiders hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, they seem poised to select their next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza from the Indiana Hoosiers, who has garnered attention as the Heisman Trophy winner and a College Football Playoff champion. This shift indicates the organization is eager to move forward and leave behind the struggles associated with Smith.
Interestingly, Smith”s perspective on his departure appears more positive than many might expect. He took to social media shortly after the news of his release to share an optimistic outlook on his situation. Being part of the Raiders has recently felt more burdensome than rewarding. Within the organization, it seems that the experience of playing there can often feel more like a challenge than a joy during the lengthy season.
Just months ago, when trade rumors involving Smith were circulating, a defensive star on the team stated he had no intention of leaving, expressing satisfaction with the franchise. However, his position has now shifted, indicating a willingness to relocate if necessary, as his primary passion remains playing football. He seems to have come to terms with the reality that significant victories may be out of reach with the current team structure.
The hiring of a new head coach for the Raiders could signal a substantial change, especially with the anticipated arrival of Mendoza, who the organization hopes will swiftly adapt to the NFL and help reshape the franchise, akin to how other notable quarterbacks have transformed their teams.
