Raiders all in on Fernando Mendoza after reportedly cutting ties with Geno Smith
Not that there was ever any question that Geno Smith and the Raiders were headed to an inevitable divorce after the nightmare season they endured last year.But just in case, the club’s general manager, John Spytek, essentially confirmed they were on the outs last week at the NFL scouting combine by revealing he and Smith have not kept in touch this offseason.“I have not talked to Geno since the season’s ended,” Spytek said.Yeah, Smith’s days in Las Vegas have been over for months now.Barring the long-shot scenario of a team actually agreeing to trade for the veteran quarterback, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation said the Raiders will release Smith before the start of the league’s new year next Wednesday.Thus ends a tumultuous their one-and-done season, which began with incredible promise only to blow up in everyone’s face.Smith’s failed reunion with Pete Carroll resulted in the Raiders finishing tied for the worst record in the NFL, Carroll being fired after just one year in the desert, and Smith following him out the door.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!The only good news? The Raiders ended up with the first pick in next month’s draft, which they will almost assuredly spend on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Together with new coach Klint Kubiak, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will usher in a new era for the Raiders as they undergo a complete reset.Keeping Smith on as the bridge for Mendoza was never an option, not after he cratered to a league-high 17 interceptions and 55 sacks last year, had multiple run-ins with fans, and his chief supporter, Carroll, got fired.It was Carroll who convinced the Raiders to trade for Smith, who he coached for four years ...