The Raiders are cutting Geno Smith and likely drafting Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall. However, they might not even start him right away.
Reporter Dianna Russini reported on Friday that if the Raiders draft Mendoza, they would not start him immediately and instead plan to bring in a veteran quarterback to bridge the gap. This report came on the same day news broke that Smith would be released.
Reactions on X came in fast.
“This is ridiculous, play the man,” one fan said.
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@UnderdogNFL This is ridiculous, play the man
“Complete malpractice,” another fan said.
@UnderdogNFL Complete malpractice
“Why not just keep Geno then lmfao,” one fan said.
Here are some more reactions from fans.
“Ah yes don’t start your number one overall pick. Way to go Raiders,” one fan said.
“Lmaooooo Raiders make no sense,” another fan said.
“I know a veteran QB that just got released maybe they’ll sign him!” one fan said.
Las Vegas fired Pete Carroll after one season, hired former Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and is now cutting Smithl. The Raiders finished 3-14 in 2025 and hold the No. 1 overall pick as a result.
Smith’s numbers last season weren’t pretty. He threw for 3,025 yards and 19 touchdowns but also led the entire NFL with 17 interceptions across 15 games. The dysfunction around him didn’t help. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was fired midway through the season, and Las Vegas ranked among the worst offensive lines in the league.
Mendoza is widely expected to be the pick. The Indiana quarterback won the Heisman Trophy last season and led the Hoosiers to their first national championship.
Also Read: “Justin Jefferson asking for a trade if those are the options”: NFL fans react as Vikings consider signing Geno Smith
Geno Smith reacts to his release
General manager John Spytek is expected to go on a veteran-hunting spree in free agency. Smith, for his part, didn’t sulk after his own release news broke. He texted NFL insider Josina Anderson three words: “Onward and Upward.”
Whether Las Vegas re-routes back to Smith or lands someone else entirely, the pressure is real. The new league year opens next week. Kubiak is stepping into a franchise mid-overhaul, a team that just swallowed $18.5 million in dead money to move on from one Smith and now needs to spend again just to hold the seat warm for their prized rookie.