The Las Vegas Raiders perform one of the most exciting matches of the first week of the preseason, when they tie up against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Now the team is preparing for a new match against the San Francisco 49ers, where they expect to achieve their first victory of the preseason.
However, questions remain around the team’s quarterback situation heading into the new season. Even though the Raiders signed former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and already offered him a contract extension, it seems that Pete Carroll’s squad is still exploring options for a potential replacement.
The upcoming season could determine Smith’s fate
The Las Vegas Raiders are aiming for a memorable season, hoping to reach the playoffs and achieve the best possible results. However, uncertainty looms, as the team is not considered a favorite and last year’s performance does little to inspire confidence. Geno Smith’s future with the team will largely depend on how this season unfolds.
The uncertainty stems from the contract between the Raiders and Smith, which includes flexibility for the team if they decide to part ways with the former Seahawks quarterback. Additionally, questions linger about Smith’s age, which could be a concern for a team seeking long-term stability at the position.
If the season falls short of expectations, the Raiders could have a valuable opportunity in the 2026 NFL Draft to select a younger, promising quarterback. This possibility has already sparked discussions among journalists and NFL experts.
Ultimately, Geno Smith needs to deliver a strong performance this season to demonstrate his talent. Despite concerns about his age, Pete Carroll remains fully confident in Smith, having known him well during his time with the Seahawks and expecting top-level play from the quarterback.
Bleacher Report unveils mock Draft for 2026 NFL season
Leading sports media have released mock projections for the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly if the Las Vegas Raiders underperform this season. Brent Sobleski from the Bleacher Report suggests that the Raiders could use the 8th overall pick to select South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
“The Las Vegas Raiders made arguably the best quarterback move this offseason with the acquisition of Geno Smith to provide the team with some stability,” Sobleski wrote. “The organization shouldn’t stop there, though.
Even, Brent Sobleski talked about the situation of Geno Smith. “Smith turns 36 next season. He could be the perfect mentor for a young, developmental quarterback for a year, with the franchise able to move on in 2027 since the veteran signal-caller doesn’t have any remaining guaranteed money on his deal by that point.”
For now, the Raiders are focused on their next preseason challenge against the San Francisco 49ers, aiming for their first victory of the season. The regular season for Las Vegas will officially begin on September 7, when they face the New England Patriots.
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