Key Takeaways

• GM John Spytek hasn’t spoken to Geno Smith since the season ended
• Spytek prefers bringing rookie QBs along slowly
• Releasing Smith before March would save the Raiders $8M

At the NFL Combine, Las Vegas Raiders GM John Spytek outlined his quarterback preferences, looking for a “leader and someone tough as hell” who is a “maniacal preparer.”

While Fernando Mendoza fits that profile as the team’s rookie quarterback, Spytek expressed a clear preference for bringing rookie QBs along slowly rather than throwing them into the fire immediately.

The Raiders could save $8M by releasing Smith before the March deadline, making this a critical decision point for the franchise as they rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

Walk the Plank

Let’s be real — Geno Smith’s act wore thin on Raider Nation last season. He started 15 games and won only 3 of them. The fans have seen enough. Most would prefer to cut bait entirely rather than keep him around as a backup or bridge.

The tricky part? Finding a trade partner for a quarterback coming off a 3-13 season will be nearly impossible. The most likely outcome is a straightforward release before the March deadline, freeing up that $8M in cap space while giving Fernando Mendoza a clear shot at the starting job. Raider Nation has moved on.