Recently, Geno Smith, the quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, posted a cryptic message on social media that has left fans questioning if his time with the team is nearing an end.
As the Raiders are anticipated to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in 2026, Smith”s position within the franchise appears increasingly uncertain. Last season, he struggled significantly on the field. While the team”s offensive issues stemmed from a combination of inadequate talent and poor play-calling, Smith compounded his difficulties by making a series of questionable decisions.
In light of these factors, speculation is mounting that the Raiders could either release or trade Smith. This comes after the dismissal of former head coach Pete Carroll, who was instrumental in bringing Smith to the team. Although no official announcements have been made, many fans are interpreting Smith”s recent social media activity as a sign of an impending exit.
In a post that read “THANK YOU LORD,” Smith appears to express gratitude, possibly reflecting on a challenging season he would rather forget. If the Raiders decide to part ways with him, either through a trade or release, Smith would likely attract interest from several teams in need of a quarterback, hoping he can regain the performance level he showcased during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, trading Smith presents complications. He has two years remaining on his lucrative $75 million contract, signed when he joined the Raiders last offseason. Unless the team is willing to absorb a substantial portion of that contract, a trade may not be feasible.
If the Raiders choose to cut Smith before June 1, they would face an $18.5 million dead-cap charge while saving $8 million. Although this would typically be a significant setback for any NFL team, the Raiders possess ample cap space, allowing them to navigate their offseason strategies without major hindrances.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Smith as well as the Raiders organization to see how they address the quarterback situation moving forward.
