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2h ago

Analysts Lay Out Raiders’ Path on Geno Smith: Backup in 2026 or Move On With Top Pick

With $18.5 million already guaranteed and another $8 million set to vest in March, some see value in retaining him as insurance while focusing the draft on pass rush.

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Overview

  • Las Vegas is 2-7 with Geno Smith throwing 12 interceptions and the offense ranked 31st in scoring this season.
  • ESPN’s Bill Barnwell notes the Raiders already owe Smith $18.5 million for 2026, with another $8 million guaranteeing on the third day of the league year, which makes a backup role plausible.
  • Barnwell adds that a trade is unlikely unless Las Vegas eats salary, as teams are not expected to take on Smith’s full $26.5 million for next season.
  • If Las Vegas lands the No. 1 pick, ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes that would likely end Smith’s tenure with the team, given performance and contract mechanics.
  • ESPN analysts argue the roster’s top need is pass rush, citing rankings of 25th in sacks and 30th in pressure rate, and identify Ohio State’s Arvell Reese as a logical draft target opposite Maxx Crosby.