The Las Vegas Raiders have officially released veteran quarterback Geno Smith, according to reports surfacing on Friday. The decision to part ways with the signal-caller comes immediately following the organization's move to hire Klint Kubiak as the team’s new head coach, signaling a swift shift in the franchise's personnel strategy.
This transaction highlights a remarkable and recurring trend involving both Kubiak and Smith over the last two NFL offseasons. Last year, Kubiak was appointed as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks while Smith was on the roster; shortly after that hire, Smith was traded. This year, the pattern repeated itself in Las Vegas, where Kubiak accepted the head coaching position only for the Raiders to move on from Smith via an outright release.
The departure of Smith leaves the Las Vegas Raiders with a significant vacancy at the quarterback position as they begin the Kubiak era. With the NFL Draft and the free agency period serving as the primary avenues for roster construction, the front office is now expected to evaluate all options to find a starter who fits Kubiak's specific offensive system. The move provides the Raiders with additional roster flexibility but necessitates a clear plan for the most important position on the field.
For Geno Smith, the release marks the end of his tenure in Las Vegas and sends him into the free-agent market. As a veteran with significant starting experience, Smith is likely to attract interest from teams seeking a bridge starter or a high-end backup. He will now look to secure a new contract as teams across the league finalize their depth charts for the upcoming season.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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