Overview
- The 2-7 Raiders remain with Geno Smith at quarterback as he leads the NFL with 12 interceptions in his first season under Pete Carroll.
- Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox floated a deal sending Arizona a 2027 first-rounder and a 2026 third for Kyler Murray, noting Las Vegas could create spring cap relief by designating a post–June 1 release of Smith.
- CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan argued Murray could fit Carroll’s timeline to contend sooner, pointing to the coach’s past success with an undersized dual-threat quarterback and the team’s recent offensive investments.
- Counterarguments highlight Murray’s $230.5 million contract, his current IR stint and recent absences, and notable guarantees including $36.8 million in 2026 and a 2027 base that locks in early in 2026.
- Other suggested paths include sticking with in-house options Aidan O’Connell or Kenny Pickett or targeting a quarterback in the 2026 draft, with some local reporting predicting Smith could remain the starter next year.