Raiders Reportedly Release QB Geno Smith, Clear Path for Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders are going to release veteran quarterback Geno Smith ahead of the start of NFL free agency, according to ESPN.

Smith will still be owed $18.5 million by the Raiders this season. He was acquired from the Seahawks in exchange for a third-round draft pick. Seattle replaced him with Sam Darnold.

[NFL Top 100 Free Agents: Where Geno Smith Ranks]

Smith struggled in his only season with the Raiders, starting 15 games and going 2-13 in them. He had 19 touchdowns and an NFL-leading 17 interceptions. 

Smith has started 98 games in his NFL career and is 42-56 all-time with 124 touchdowns and 89 interceptions across 109 total games.

Smith joins a free-agent class of quarterbacks full of experience. Kyler Murray was recently released by the Cardinals, while veterans like Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers are also available. Tua Tagovailoa’s tenure with the Dolphins is also likely to end soon, although it remains to be seen whether he’s released or traded.

Malik Willis is a wild card and might end up with the biggest contract after impressing in a few starts for the Packers last season.