The Las Vegas Raiders’ gamble on Geno Smith has yet to pay dividends, and with each passing week, the urgency to look elsewhere at quarterback mounts.
Since arriving from Seattle, Smith has failed to ignite the offense, with his outings scarred by costly turnovers, indecisive moments and an absence of veteran leadership that the team desperately needs.
The situation reached another crossroads in Sunday’s 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos. Smith completed just 13-of-21 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown to Brock Bowers before leaving the game with a shoulder injury. His early performance didn’t provide the jolt the 2-11 Raiders needed, and his departure opened the door for backup Kenny Pickett, who came in and tossed a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Head coach Pete Carroll offered no assurances about Smith’s availability against the Eagles in Week 15.
“I’m going to do what I think is the right thing to do, and if Geno can play, that’s my thought,” Carroll said, as shared by ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. “I’m rooting for Geno to get back out there and see how he does. But we’re not going to play him if he’s not right, so Kenny will be ready to go.”
Both Pickett and Aidan O’Connell are in position to fill in if necessary.
Is it time for Raiders to move on from Geno Smith?
With the season effectively lost, the question facing Raiders leadership is simple: Why wait any longer to evaluate other options?
Turning to Pickett or O’Connell or even employing a rotation could reveal who might have a future in Las Vegas and signal to fans and players that complacency won’t be tolerated. It’s an approach focused on long-term success rather than short-term survival.
If Smith does return against the Eagles and struggles once again — whether with decision-making, turnovers or simply controlling the huddle — Carroll shouldn’t be hesitant to make a mid-game switch.
After all, the next few games serve as live auditions for the quarterbacks already on the roster, and perhaps the coaches, too. Ultimately, the harsh reality is that the 2026 NFL Draft looms large.
Barring a dramatic reversal, the Raiders appear likely to secure a top pick — a golden opportunity to pursue a true franchise quarterback. For a frustrated fan base craving hope, how Las Vegas handles the remainder of this season could shape the path to a much-needed reset.
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