The Las Vegas Raiders plan to release quarterback Geno Smith as the 2026 league year begins, freeing about $8 million in salary cap space but incurring an $18.5 million dead cap charge. Smith, who started for the Raiders in 2025, will be replaced by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, projected as the No. 1 overall draft pick. As a result, Geno Smith enters a crowded free agency market, leaving teams to assess whether he can still perform as a starter or is better suited as a backup option.
Smith endured a challenging season in Las Vegas, facing 55 sacks that disrupted his rhythm in Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme. Over the year, he passed for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns but also threw 17 interceptions, a troubling figure that raises doubts about his efficiency. At 35 years old, Smith had appeared to revive his career after signing a two-year extension as the Raiders’ planned starter following a successful stint with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, his next team must weigh whether to consider him as a leading quarterback or a reliable secondary option behind a starter in 2026.
Potential Opportunity with Arizona Cardinals
With Kyler Murray no longer on their roster, the Arizona Cardinals face important decisions at quarterback. They currently must rely on Jacoby Brissett for the 2026 season, as no highly regarded first-round quarterbacks other than Mendoza are expected to be available at their No. 3 overall pick. The Cardinals’ head coach Mike LaFleur might be cautious about turning to Smith, but given the team’s $48 million in salary cap space and other priorities, Smith represents an affordable option to back up or compete with Brissett.
Arizona could employ a Brissett-Smith duo as part of a strategic approach that prioritizes rebuilding around rookies like Texas‘ Arch Manning or Oregon’s Dante Moore in 2027. This tandem could provide stability while planning for a rookie quarterback’s emergence in the near future.
Backup or Bridge Starter Role with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Following Aaron Rodgers’ departure, the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by new head coach Mike McCarthy, must find a reliable quarterback. Although Will Howard, the team’s QB3 in 2025, may be promoted to starter, Smith could serve as a low-cost insurance policy. Mason Rudolph remains a backup candidate but is generally not viewed as a long-term starting option.
If Howard struggles to adapt to a starting role or suffers injury, Smith offers valuable experience to fill the gap. Given the Steelers are expected to be in transition during 2026, Smith would enter a scenario with moderate pressure to win, offering some relief to both the player and the franchise in this rebuilding phase.
Minnesota Vikings Could Consider Smith as a Contingency
The Vikings have been seeking competition to challenge their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, whose development remains a priority. Head coach Kevin O’Connell might prefer to acquire a proven starter like Murray if possible, but if outbid, Smith emerges as a viable secondary option. Unlike a tryout candidate, Smith offers credible depth rather than being a short-term placeholder.
Smith’s presence could provide Minnesota the flexibility to reconsider McCarthy’s future, as some speculate the team might eventually trade or release the young QB. Smith would resemble the Cardinals’ approach, offering a reliable presence similar to the impact of UDFA Max Brosmer, who demonstrated promise in limited action.
Green Bay Packers’ Need for a Reliable Backup
With Malik Willis expected to lead the quarterback free agency market, the Green Bay Packers are seeking a dependable backup for Jordan Love. While Smith is not the ideal first choice, he could fill a role that requires minimal playing time, primarily serving as insurance rather than a starter.
In 2025, Willis saw playing time due to Love’s health issues, and head coach Matt LaFleur would be betting on Smith’s ability to revive some of his former success from his Seattle days in brief relief situations. Since Smith likely has only a couple of years left in his career, Green Bay would not be tied down long-term if the experiment proves unsuccessful.
In all, Geno Smith faces uncertain prospects in free agency. Teams considering him must decide if his experience justifies a starting role or if he serves better as a quality backup during a transitional period. Smith’s next contract will likely reflect both his age and inconsistent 2025 performance, while his veteran presence may still offer value to franchises rebuilding or seeking depth at quarterback heading into 2026.
Raiders set to release QB Geno Smith at the start of the league year. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/mLoWSRrAWp
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2026
