Raiders

The Raiders need a lifeline: Who could replace QB Geno Smith in Las Vegas?

Despite a two-year contract, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith may not be their starter by next season if he continues playing the way he is now.

Despite a two-year contract, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith may not be their starter by next season if he continues playing the way he is now.
JUSTIN CASTERLINE
Jennifer Bubel
Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.
Update:

The Las Vegas Raiders’ trade for veteran quarterback Geno Smith has not gone as planned. After giving Smith a two-year, $75 million extension, the team is once again facing uncertainty at the quarterback position. Through five games, Smith has struggled with nine interceptions - the most in the league - despite completing 65% of his passes for 1,176 yards and six touchdowns.

Raiders ready to move on from Geno Smith?

The Raiders are now 1-4 after their most recent 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Pete Carroll emphasized that costly special teams mistakes and turnovers have been more damaging than traditional stats like rushing or passing yards.

Regarding Smith, Carroll defended his performance on Sunday, despite costly turnovers, explaining that one interception came off a tipped ball during a neutral-zone penalty. He said Smith “was solid” overall and that the team must “keep building around him” with a stronger run game.

When asked if he considered benching Smith, Carroll admitted he thought about it but added, “We need to keep playing. We need to get better, and we need to keep practicing.”

If his play doesn’t improve, however, the Raiders may explore other quarterback options by this offseason. One potential target mentioned is Mac Jones, who has revived his career with the San Francisco 49ers while filling in for an injured Brock Purdy. Jones has thrown for 905 yards, six touchdowns, and just one interception in three starts this season, looking more like the promising passer he once was.

At just 27 years old, Jones could be a long-term solution for Las Vegas if the 49ers are willing to deal him. While it’s unclear whether a trade will happen, the idea makes sense for a Raiders team still searching for stability under center.

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