The Las Vegas Raiders are likely to be in the quarterback market this offseason. Even if they don’t think Geno Smith is a big reason why the offense has struggled, it doesn’t make much sense to pay big money to an aging quarterback on a rebuilding team.
It’s hard to imagine the Raiders would cut ties with Smith without some sort of plan. That plan would likely consist of drafting a quarterback early. However, the team might still want some insurance in case a rookie isn’t ready to play.
Smith could make some sense as a bridge quarterback, but the Raiders may want a fresh start at the position. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report sees Jameis Winston as a possible fit in Las Vegas.
“While Winston has functional mobility and can pick up the occasional first down with his legs, he tends to win from the pocket and is best-suited for a traditional dropback/play-action based offense,” Knox wrote. “The Las Vegas Raiders would make a ton of sense for Winston if they decide to move off of Geno Smith at the end of the year, which is a distinct possibility.
“Smith has had his own turnover issues this season, and retaining him will only be logical if the Raiders also keep head coach Pete Carroll, who brought in his former Seattle Seahawks starter this past offseason.”
Winston Could Be ‘Fun’ In Las Vegas
Smith is turning the ball over a lot but not making many big plays. Winston has a history of being a turnover machine, but he also makes a lot of big-time throws.
The former No. 1 pick hasn’t lived up to his draft status, but he still can be a fun quarterback to watch at times.
“The Raiders could save $8 million in cap space by releasing Smith next offseason,” Knox wrote. “Winston has a fun, infectious leadership style that would help Las Vegas turn the page on its recent struggles. He’d have little trouble creating big plays with (Brock Bowers) and Tre Tucker. His ability to stretch the field might just open up some running lanes for Ashton Jeanty too.
“Las Vegas would own the fourth overall pick in the draft if the season ended today, and Winston would be an ideal mentor if it decided to use that selection on a quarterback.”
Why Not Just Keep Smith for Another Season?
If the Raiders are going to the bridge quarterback route in 2026, it might make sense just to give Smith another year, unless the team can find a trade partner. Cutting him leaves the team with an $18.5 million dead cap hit.
Winston is technically still under contract with the Giants through next season, so the Raiders would either have to trade for him or hope he gets cut. Trading for him doesn’t make a lot of sense unless the price is very low.
The Raiders are going to be in quarterback limbo next season unless they draft a quarterback early. Simply hanging onto Smith for another season might be the only option they have.
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