HENDERSON (KTNV) — After news broke late last week that the Las Vegas Raiders would release quarterback Geno Smith, ESPN is reporting new trade details on Tuesday.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that the Raiders will send Smith and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the New York Jets in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Before the trade was agreed to, Geno Smith agreed to restructure his contract. The Raiders still will pay the bulk of it, and the Jets will take on Smith’s contract at just over veteran minimum. https://t.co/uRTjgzwj4B
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2026
The 35-year-old quarterback started his NFL career with the Jets in 2013. Smith's trade is expected to open up an estimated $8 million in salary cap space for the Raiders.
As ESPN reported, he had signed a two-year, $75 million extension after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 third-round pick. Smith earned $40 million in 2025, all of which was fully guaranteed.
The Raiders had one of their worst seasons in franchise history this past year. Las Vegas finished 3-14, and Pete Carroll was fired as head coach.
Raiders general manager John Spytek said at the scouting combine that he didn't want to blame Smith's struggles all on the 35-year-old signal-caller. Spytek admitted that he could have put Smith in a better position to succeed.
The Raiders' losing season did secure the top pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which they are expected to use to select Smith's replacement, Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas is also expected to add another veteran quarterback to compete with Mendoza and back up Aidan O'Connell.
News of Smith's trade to the Jets followed confirmation of another rumor circulating during the NFL off-season: the trade of star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Crosby was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027. Crosby on Saturday posted an emotional video thanking Raider Nation for their support.
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Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza takes practice field for first time as starter
Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza took the podium on Wednesday for the first time as the starting quarterback for Las Vegas.
Mendoza praises Cousins for helping him become the starter.
Fernando Mendoza praises Kirk Cousins for helping him become the Raiders' starting quarterback.
FULL PRESSER: Raiders introduce Fernando Mendoza as starting quarterback
Fernando Mendoza took the podium for the first time as starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. He took questions from reporters about Kirk Cousins' mentorship and his future as the Raiders open a new chapter in team history.
Cousins is going to Minnesota and Mendoza is the Raiders' starting quarterback.
Cousins is going to Minnesota and Mendoza is officially the Raiders' starting quarterback.
