Overview
- Multiple reports say Las Vegas plans to release Geno Smith before his salary guarantee triggers on the third day of the new league year if no trade materializes.
- Cutting Smith before the deadline would save roughly $8 million but leave about $18.5 million in dead money, according to cap analyses cited in the coverage.
- Geno Smith’s brief “THANK YOU LORD” post on X fueled speculation about his departure after a 2025 season with 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
- Insiders and leading analysts indicate the Raiders intend to keep the top pick and select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, with Jason La Canfora calling the choice virtually unattainable for trade suitors.
- Mel Kiper Jr. touted Mendoza as a high-end prospect as the quarterback prepares to interview at the combine and throw at Indiana’s April 1 pro day under a new staff led by head coach Klint Kubiak and with Tom Brady’s influence in the building.