Raiders Cut Geno Smith, Sparking QB Frenzy

Raiders Release Geno Smith, Opening Door for Free Agent Quarterback Market

In a stunning move that reverberates through the NFL landscape, the Las Vegas Raiders have officially released quarterback Geno Smith. The decision, confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, marks a significant pivot for the franchise just one year after acquiring Smith with aspirations of him being their future signal-caller. This move frees up $8 million in salary cap space for the Raiders, though it comes with a substantial $18.5 million dead cap charge, a financial hit the team appears prepared to absorb.

With Smith now entering the open market, barring an unexpected trade in the coming week, he joins an already star-studded pool of available quarterbacks. This burgeoning free agent class is expected to include notable names like Kyler Murray and potentially Tua Tagovailoa, further intensifying the competition for teams in need of a starting quarterback. Other quarterbacks who could be available include Malik Willis and Kirk Cousins, who is slated for release next week. The upcoming NFL Draft also presents intriguing prospects, with Fernando Mendoza and Tai Simpson drawing interest from quarterback-hungry franchises such as the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Miami Dolphins.

Geno Smith’s Raiders Stint: A Difficult Year

Kevin Clark, speaking on NFL Live, offered a candid assessment of Smith’s situation. “Good news and bad news for Geno Smith,” Clark stated. “The good news is you can explain some of this away last year with the fact that it was a hopeless situation. The bad news is the destinations you can go to also hopeless situations.” Clark highlighted the immense pressure Smith faced, noting he was “by far the most sacked quarterback in football last year” with a run game that was “stuffed at the line far more than anybody else in football.”

Despite the struggles, Clark believes Smith could still find success. “I think in a different system with different coaches and different talent around him, he could have had a good year last year,” he added. “He didn’t play well. He made mistakes. He’s going to be on the second or even third tier of available quarterbacks. You’re looking at Jets or Dolphins at best if he wants to start.”

Potential Destinations for Smith

The narrative surrounding Smith’s future is one of cautious optimism, with several teams emerging as potential landing spots. “Gino Smith believes he’s going into a better situation now,” Jeremy Fowler reported. “He was unhappy last year with the way things went. The offensive line.” Fowler pointed to Minnesota as a preferred destination, noting the Vikings’ advantageous position. “They can sit back. They have these quarterbacks that are essentially free because they’re getting all these guaranteed money by the teams that have cut them.”

Miami also appears to be on Smith’s radar, particularly if they don’t secure Malik Willis. A reunion with the New York Jets, a team consistently mentioned as being in dire need of quarterback help, remains a possibility, though Fowler suggested they might be among the last to secure a signal-caller in the musical chairs game.

Raiders’ Future: Mendoza Era Begins?

The Raiders’ decision to move on from Smith appears to pave the way for Fernando Mendoza, the presumed number one overall pick, to potentially start from day one. Tim Hasselbeck weighed in on the strategic implications: “I think it probably is [the right move]. Look, there’ll be another quarterback or two on that roster in Las Vegas, and you know, there’s always a chance that if they really don’t feel like Mendoza is ready that they can play somebody else at the beginning of the year.”

Hasselbeck emphasized the importance of on-field development: “I firmly believe it’s easier to get better playing than it is watching someone play.” He elaborated, “If you drafted the right guy with the right physical ability, but then most importantly, the the mental toughness and resolve that weathering the storm and learning on the job is the better path to success than watching somebody else do it.” This philosophy suggests the Raiders are committed to accelerating Mendoza’s development, regardless of the initial growing pains.

The Max Crosby Conundrum

Amidst the quarterback news, a significant question looms over the Raiders’ star pass rusher, Max Crosby. Reports indicate that multiple teams have made offers for Crosby, but the Raiders are holding firm, seeking a “premier package” for their top-tier edge rusher. “The Raiders are not in any rush to get something done, at least as of now,” Adam Schefter reported. “Could that change on Monday when the legal tampering period opens? Sure.”

Schefter alluded to potential trade partners like Chicago, Dallas, and Baltimore, emphasizing that the Raiders “insist that they’re not going to do something unless they get the price that they want.” The possibility of an A.J. Brown trade with the Philadelphia Eagles could also indirectly impact Crosby’s situation, potentially freeing up capital for the Eagles to pursue him.

Analysis: Is It Time for Vegas to Trade Crosby?

The debate is heating up regarding Crosby’s future in Las Vegas. Kevin Clark argued for a trade, stating, “I’ve come to the conclusion that the Max Crosby era in Vegas has run its course.” He cited Crosby’s high double-team rate (over 30%) and his lowest pressure rate last year due to offensive schemes keying in on him. “He deserves to play on Saturday Night Football. huge games for a contender. Get some trade value now. Sell high,” Clark urged.

Tim Hasselbeck echoed this sentiment, aligning with the team’s rebuilding phase. “I do think that when you look at, you know, where the Raiders are, they’re not close. And so look, moving Crosby, building for the future around your young quarterback just seems like from a team building perspective, an eye towards the future, it just makes the most sense.” He acknowledged the potential challenge of throwing a young quarterback into a deficient team but pointed to successful examples like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye as evidence that growth is possible.

Eagles’ Complex Situation

The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in a complex web of potential transactions. Schefter highlighted their current machinations, including uncertainty around Jaylen Phillips’ contract status and the ongoing speculation surrounding A.J. Brown. “If the Eagles do move AJ Brown, if that does happen, all of a sudden, the Eagles have added draft capital. They have added flexibility. So, if that happens… all of a sudden, they certainly could be a player in the Max Crosby sweep stakes.” This scenario, while not guaranteed, presents a compelling possibility for both teams.

The article also touched upon other defensive line needs for the Eagles, including resigning Jonathan Grard and managing their interior defensive line with Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. The intricate nature of these potential moves underscores the dynamic and unpredictable environment of the NFL offseason.

Source: 🚨 The Raiders release QB Geno Smith 🚨 | NFL Live (YouTube)