Overview
- Multiple reports say Las Vegas will move on from Smith at the start of next week’s league year unless a trade materializes, after aggressively shopping him in recent days.
- Cutting Smith frees about $8 million in space and leaves roughly $18.5 million in dead money, a move timed ahead of an additional guarantee date reported for March 13.
- Smith’s lone Raiders season included 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and an NFL-high 17 interceptions with 55 sacks as the club finished 3–14 and last in offense.
- The change follows Pete Carroll’s firing and Klint Kubiak’s hiring, with Las Vegas expected to draft Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 and potentially add a veteran bridge.
- Once released, the 35-year-old is set to enter free agency, with outlets noting early interest from teams such as the Jets and Dolphins for a bridge or high-end backup role.