Is $30M Worth Geno Smith Leaving the Raiders? Cryptic Social Media Activity Sparks Exit Speculation

With the Las Vegas Raiders entering the offseason in rebuild mode, quarterback Geno Smith is not expected to be back with the team in 2026.

The Raiders acquired Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round pick as head coach Pete Carroll hand-picked his quarterback this offseason after being named head coach. But after a disastrous season all-around by the Raiders, Carroll was one of multiple coaches fired on Black Monday.

With Carroll gone (and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly), the Raiders are expected to move on from Smith soon. Smith seems to know that his time in Las Vegas could be up as he recently wiped his Instagram clean and unfollowed the Raiders on social media.

Oh Boy: Geno Smith has unfollowed the Raiders on IG and deleted everything team related…

It appears Geno knows he will not be returning. pic.twitter.com/sHjlzq6uMv

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 6, 2026

Smith’s Instagram was flooded with Raiders’ posts prior to Tuesday. Now, there’s no mention of the silver and black on his IG.

Smith signed a two-year $85.5 million extension with the Raiders last offseason with $66.5 million guaranteed. He’s due $18 million and the Raiders could easily move on from him, or keep him as a backup in 2026.

The Raiders Will Very Likely Add A New Quarterback in the 2026 Offseason

Whenever a team rebuilds, they usually add a new head coach and quarterback in the offseason. After the Raiders finished this past season with a 3-14 record, they will add a new quarterback this offseason.

The Raiders will likely release Smith if they can’t trade him, and they won’t move forward with Kenny Pickett as their franchise quarterback. The Raiders hold the No. 1 pick and many are pegging them to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Las Vegas also has the second most cap space heading into the offseason with right around $100 million. They can certainly use that money to maybe acquire a quarterback or sign a free agent. Though, there aren’t many big name QBs up for trade/expected to hit the open market in free agency.

The most likely scenario is Las Vegas stays put at pick No. 1 win and drafts the consensus best quarterback.

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