Raiders Weigh Options for Veteran QB Geno Smith

Vikings insider suggests Smith could be a target for Minnesota as Las Vegas prepares to draft top QB prospect Fernando Mendoza.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the team must decide what to do with veteran QB Geno Smith, who could potentially serve as a stopgap starter until Mendoza is ready, or could be released to find another team. A Minnesota Vikings insider has suggested Smith could be a target for the Vikings, who are looking to add a quarterback to compete with J.J. McCarthy. Smith's name has also been floated as a potential option for the New York Jets as they look to the future.

Why it matters

The Raiders' decision on Geno Smith's future will have major implications for their quarterback situation in the coming seasons. If they keep him, he could provide valuable experience and mentorship for the young Mendoza. If they release him, it could open up opportunities for Smith with other QB-needy teams like the Vikings or Jets.

The details

According to reports, the Raiders are likely to select former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the team must decide what to do with veteran QB Geno Smith, who has been with the Raiders for the past two seasons. One option is for the Raiders to keep Smith as a stopgap starter until Mendoza is ready to take over, allowing the young QB to learn behind an experienced veteran. Alternatively, the Raiders could release Smith, who has been mentioned as a potential target for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets, both of whom are in the market for a quarterback.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
  • The Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
  • Geno Smith has been the Raiders' starting QB for the past two seasons.

The players

Geno Smith

A veteran quarterback who has been with the Las Vegas Raiders for the past two seasons.

Fernando Mendoza

A former quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, who is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

J.J. McCarthy

The current starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, who the team is looking to add competition for.

Arch Manning

A highly touted quarterback prospect from the University of Texas, who the New York Jets are reportedly eyeing for the 2027 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Geno Smith, Jimmy Garoppolo, bringing back Kirk Cousins. I mean, it is hard to find one of those guys that makes people very optimistic.”

— Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer for The Athletic (KARE 11 News)

“The next quarterback for the Jets is going to be Geno Smith. Now, it's a short‑term answer, and it's obviously a [reunion] with Geno and the Jets. But after my advanced search and thinking of it differently and viewing it differently, the next quarterback of the Jets is going to be Geno Smith.”

— Tommy Lugauer, WFAN host (WFAN)

“I think his character can fit into any locker room. Just by what I've seen, he's a great guy. He's humble. Obviously, he's hardworking. He's worked his way up to where he's at now. Nobody knew his name a couple of years ago and now he's one of the top prospects. The hard work, the dedication, the discipline, the focus is definitely there.”

— Ashtony Jeanty, Raiders running back (N/A)

What’s next

The Raiders will need to make a decision on Geno Smith's future in the coming months, either keeping him as a stopgap starter or releasing him to allow him to sign with another team.

The takeaway

The Raiders' quarterback situation is in flux as they prepare to draft a potential franchise QB in Fernando Mendoza. How they handle the veteran Geno Smith will be a key decision that could impact their short-term and long-term plans at the position.