The 2026 NFL Draft is no different from any other year in that it is filled to the brim with smoke screens and hyperbole, but it’s hard to find anything bad to say about Fernando Mendoza. The Las Vegas Raiders feel the same way, but that doesn’t mean they have forgotten about Geno Smith.
Klint Kubiak Keeps Door Open For Smith For 2026
Unless the NFL world suddenly turns on its head, Mendoza will become the 1st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and join the Raiders. He is considered to be one of the most polished, NFL-ready prospects, and he comes without any character issues.
However, Raiders head coach Kubiak made sure to keep the door open for Smith or whoever else is brought in to the position. Ryan McFadden, a Raiders reporter for ESPN, posted on X that Kubiak has spoken with Smith, albeit briefly.
“Trying to see every possible avenue we can go next year at quarterback, and he’s definitely one of those options,” Kubiak said, as reported by McFadden on Wednesday.
#Raiders HC Klint Kubiak on Geno Smith’s future with the team: “Trying to see every possible avenue we can go next year at quarterback, and he’s definitely one of those options.”
Kubiak said he has spoken to Smith briefly since being hired.
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) February 25, 2026
That is a smart football move by Kubiak, because one of the best ways to give a rookie quarterback a smooth transition to the NFL is to ensure there is a veteran passer who can serve as a mentor. Smith will turn 36 during the 2026 NFL season, and a rough 2025 campaign could signal that his days as a starter have passed.
Not only did the Raiders win only three games in 2025, which is why they have Mendoza in their sights, but Smith also turned the ball over far too often (17 interceptions to 19 passing touchdowns). The benefit of having a savvy veteran under center is the game management and ball security that comes with that kind of experience. That did not translate for the Raiders in 2025.
While Kubiak said that he has been in contact with Smith, that is more than Raiders GM John Spytek has done. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Spytek avoided mentioning Mendoza’s name but also said he has not spoken with Smith during the offseason.
Adam Hill of the Raiders Review-Journal quoted Spytek saying, “I have not talked to Geno since the season ended. I’ve seen videos of him training, and I know he’s feeling good. We’ll talk soon.”
It is safe to assume that the Raiders are more focused on due diligence when it comes to spending the 1st overall pick on a quarterback than they are explaining Smith’s potential role in the 2025 season.
The Raiders front office and coaches will have to be honest about Smith’s ability to be that mentor, especially for a prospect who is so highly touted as being league-ready.
While the Raiders aren’t known for their restraint and wisdom, this could be a new leaf for the franchise. Is it one that includes Smith, though?
