🔥 Silver & Black Set for New Era Under Center. DH

John Spytek didn’t say the words outright.

He didn’t have to.

Geno Smith’s time in Las Vegas appears to be over.

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John Spytek All But Confirms Geno Smith’s Exit From Raiders

With the 2026 NFL Draft less than two months away and the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick, the direction of the franchise is becoming clearer by the day.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely viewed as the likely selection.

And if that happens, there’s little room left for Geno Smith.

During his podium session at the NFL Combine, Raiders general manager John Spytek was asked about Smith’s timeline and future in Las Vegas. His response was hesitant — and telling.

“Um… uhh… obviously, the contract predicates that a little bit,” Spytek said. “Klint and his staff are just getting everything together… when we get back to Vegas, kind of formulating a plan with everybody going forward.”

It wasn’t a definitive goodbye.

But it wasn’t a vote of confidence, either.

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The Numbers Don’t Help

Smith’s 2025 season didn’t make this decision any easier to avoid.

• Led the NFL in interceptions
• Took the most sacks in the league
• Entering his age-36 season
• Owed $26.5 million in 2026

For a team preparing to reset at quarterback, that’s a steep price tag.

While a trade is technically possible, Smith’s age and production likely limit his market. A release feels far more realistic.

And notably, Spytek admitted he hasn’t even spoken to Smith since the season ended.

“I have not talked to Geno since the season’s ended,” he said. “We’ll talk soon here.”

That silence speaks volumes.

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Respect, But No Recommitment

Spytek did go out of his way to defend Smith’s effort and professionalism.

“It’s never all on the quarterback… we didn’t help Geno in a lot of places, too. I’ve got to do a better job in that space,” Spytek said. “He worked his tail off. I watched it every day.”

That’s respect.

But it’s not reassurance.

Notably, Spytek has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to players like Maxx Crosby. He did not offer the same certainty regarding Smith.

In the NFL, what’s not said can be just as important as what is.

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The Inevitable Reset

When the Raiders traded a third-round pick for Smith last March, the expectation wasn’t a one-year experiment.

But after a rocky campaign and the opportunity to draft a potential franchise quarterback, the direction has shifted.

If Mendoza is the selection at No. 1 overall, the quarterback room will be restructured around him.

Whether Aidan O’Connell opens 2026 as the starter or Mendoza takes over immediately, the path forward likely does not include Geno Smith.

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Raider Nation Saw This Coming

Excitement surrounded Smith when he arrived.

But production didn’t match expectations.

Now, with the draft approaching and leadership speaking carefully — but clearly — the writing is on the wall.

Spytek may not have formally closed the book.

But he certainly turned the final page.

A new era in Las Vegas is about to begin.