It was supposed to be a reunion built on trust and redemption. When Pete Carroll took over in Las Vegas, reuniting with Geno Smith felt like a natural move. The two had history, chemistry, and the promise of recreating the magic they once found in Seattle.
Seven games later, that promise feels distant. The Raiders are 2-5, their offense is stalling, and Smith’s numbers tell a grim story. He has thrown for 1,417 yards with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions while being sacked 19 times. The Raiders’ offense has looked lifeless, and frustration is starting to show.
“I think he’s turning the corner,” Carroll told ESPN. “He’s as competitive as ever. He’s frustrated because we want to win, and we want to play big and all that.” Carroll’s optimism is admirable, but the real problem has nothing to do with effort. It’s about money.
A Price Tag That Hurts the Team
Smith’s contract includes an $18.5 million guarantee for 2026 and a base salary that will rise to $26.5 million. That guarantee is fully locked in, even if Smith is no longer on the roster. Cutting him would hit the Raiders with one of the biggest dead-cap penalties in recent memory, according to NFL.com salary data.
The deal leaves Carroll with very little flexibility. Trading Smith is almost impossible since any team that takes him on would inherit a massive financial burden. What was once viewed as a steady veteran signing has quickly turned into a financial trap.
The issue extends beyond the quarterback position. That contract affects the Raiders’ ability to make moves, add talent, and retool a roster that desperately needs energy.
Raiders Collapse Sparks Quarterback Uncertainty
The breaking point came in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Las Vegas managed only 95 total yards and three first downs. Smith completed 10 of 16 passes for 67 yards before being pulled in the fourth quarter.
“Tough losses like this should be a gut check,” Smith said after the game. Carroll looked stunned in his postgame comments. “This was a game I didn’t see coming. We had prepared really well,” he said.
The 31-0 loss wasn’t just a bad day. It was a statement that the Raiders’ offense has run out of answers. Smith’s benching was more than a temporary move; it was a message that the team might be ready to look elsewhere for leadership under center.
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