Las Vegas, Nevada — As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Las Vegas Raiders appear poised to select a new franchise quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick.
The projected choice is Indiana star Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who led the Hoosiers to a national championship.
But despite that expectation, the Raiders may not be planning to start their prized rookie immediately.
Instead, the team could lean on veteran quarterback Geno Smith as a bridge starter while Mendoza develops.
Raiders Considering a Veteran Bridge
According to reports cited by ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Raiders are currently evaluating whether to keep Smith on the roster rather than release him before the season.
Smith already remains under contract, and keeping him would allow Las Vegas to avoid rushing Mendoza into a starting role too early.
Starting a rookie quarterback in Week 1 can be risky, particularly for players transitioning from college systems to the complexity of the NFL.
By allowing Mendoza time to learn the playbook and adjust to the professional game, the Raiders could potentially position him for long-term success.
The Financial Factor
Another key factor in the decision is financial.
Releasing Smith would create a salary cap hit, meaning the Raiders would still be paying a portion of his contract even if he were no longer on the roster.
Keeping him as a starter or mentor could allow the team to get value out of the remaining contract while giving Mendoza time to develop.
A Strategic Decision for the Future
Still, the situation remains complicated.
Several teams across the league are expected to be searching for quarterback help this offseason, meaning Smith could potentially attract interest on the trade market if the Raiders decide to move on.
That possibility creates an interesting dilemma for the franchise.
Should Las Vegas keep Smith as a bridge quarterback while Mendoza prepares for the future?
Or should they hand the rookie the starting job immediately as a sign of confidence in their new franchise leader?
Draft Decision Seems Clear — But QB Plan Is Not
While the Raiders’ likely selection of Fernando Mendoza appears straightforward, the team’s quarterback strategy for the upcoming season remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.
For now, it appears the organization is leaning toward patience, giving their future star time to grow behind a veteran presence.
And if that plan holds, Geno Smith may still play a major role in Las Vegas—at least for one more season.
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