Raiders GM Discusses Rookie QB Plans, Geno Smith's Future

Las Vegas looking to support young QB, not rush them into starting role

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:50pm

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Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine, discussing the team's approach to evaluating rookie quarterbacks and the future of current QB Geno Smith. Spytek expressed a preference for bringing along young QBs methodically rather than rushing them into a starting role, and said he has not spoken to Smith since the end of the season.

Why it matters

The Raiders hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are widely expected to select highly touted quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza. Spytek's comments suggest the team wants to build a strong support system around their future QB, rather than throwing them into the fire immediately.

The details

Spytek said the Raiders are looking for leadership, intelligence, humility and a love of the game in their next quarterback. While Mendoza is the presumptive top pick, Spytek didn't commit to selecting him, saying the team will meet with him and other prospects this week at the combine. As for Geno Smith, who is still under contract, Spytek said no decision has been made on his future and the team will evaluate the situation when they return to Las Vegas.

  • The Raiders can save about $8 million on the salary cap by releasing Geno Smith before March 11, the start of the new league year.
  • Quarterback prospects, including Mendoza, are scheduled to speak to the media on Friday at the combine.
  • Mendoza is not expected to throw with the rest of the QB group on Saturday.

The players

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Geno Smith

The current quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, who is still under contract.

Fernando Mendoza

The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Indiana University, who is expected to be selected by the Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“A leader and someone tough as hell. Somebody that loves to play football, maniacal preparer. Obviously, somebody that can throw the ball well, but I think just somebody that loves the game and will give everything for their teammates. … I think there's a great humility and selflessness required to play that position at a high level.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“I think you want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy from the start. Now, if you have a young quarterback, I'm not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away, so (it's important to have) another quality player that can play the quarterback position.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“I have not talked to Geno since the season ended. I've seen videos of him training, and I know he's feeling good. We'll talk soon.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

The Raiders will meet with quarterback prospects, including Fernando Mendoza, in formal interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine this week as they continue their evaluation process ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Raiders appear focused on building a strong support system around their future quarterback, whether it's Mendoza or another prospect, rather than rushing them into a starting role. This approach could pay dividends in the long run as the team looks to find its next franchise QB.