Raiders could be in the market for another starting quarterback despite potentially drafting Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall
The Raiders will need another quarterback.
The Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Geno Smith mutually agreed to part ways.
The Raiders’ new coaching staff did not want Smith, and Smith, now 35, wanted a fresh start. As a result, this move—anticipated to become official at the beginning of the new league year on March 11—will open up $8 million in salary cap space and result in $18.5 million of dead money for the Raiders.
With Smith leaving, the Raiders will need a backup quarterback—or possibly someone to start ahead of Mendoza. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, if the Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in April, their plan is to let him develop before starting. Russini also noted that Las Vegas intends to bring in a veteran QB via free agency, who is expected to serve as the starter while Mendoza gains experience.
John Spytek and Klint Kubiak may not want to start Mendoza right away
The Raiders haven’t had a franchise quarterback in years. Still, they don’t want that desperation to harm Mendoza’s confidence as he begins his career.
“I think you want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy from the start. Now, if you have a young quarterback, I’m not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away either,” said Spytek.
“So another quality player that can play the quarterback position if you have a young quarterback. And obviously, a great offensive line, a run game, all the things that can limit his chances to really get killed. And a great defense too, because if he doesn’t feel like he’s got to go out there and score 35 points every week, I think that’s helpful.”
There are a handful of guys who are available in free agency who are good enough to still be a starter for a few games as a bridge QB.
Las Vegas Raiders News
Raiders now know they can get Fernando Mendoza the perfect weapon after seeing an elite NFL Combine performance
The Raiders need some weapons for Mendoza.
