Raiders Pivot After Stafford: Geno Smith's Brief and Costly Tenure Concludes

Matthew Stafford's decision to remain with the Rams in February 2025 led the Raiders to seek a new quarterback. Consequently, the team acquired Geno Smith via trade, avoiding Sam Darnold and reuniting Smith with head coach Pete Carroll.

Geno Smith's Acquisition and Financial Burden

The acquisition of Smith involved a third-round draft pick. Financially, Smith was paid $40 million last year, with an additional $18.5 million owed this year. The Raiders are now poised to make a critical decision regarding his future.

The Raiders plan to release Geno Smith, if a trade is not possible, before an $8 million guarantee activates next Friday.

Performance and Overall Investment

The total financial commitment to Smith amounted to $58.5 million, alongside a third-round draft pick. This sum is subject to being offset by any earnings he might secure elsewhere this year. During his tenure, Smith played 15 games, resulting in just two wins for the team.

Future Quarterback Landscape

While the team's decision regarding Smith does not confirm a specific draft pick, such as Fernando Mendoza as the first overall selection, the quarterback depth chart is nonetheless expected to change significantly in 2026.