The Las Vegas Raiders have made some significant moves recently, including cutting Geno Smith and potentially drafting Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick. However, reports suggest that they may not start Mendoza right away and instead bring in a veteran quarterback to bridge the gap. This decision came on the same day that news of Smith’s release broke.
Fans were quick to react to this news, with some expressing frustration at the decision not to start Mendoza immediately. One fan called it “ridiculous” while another labeled it “complete malpractice.” Others questioned why the Raiders would release Smith if they were not planning to start their top draft pick.
The Raiders have been undergoing changes, from firing Pete Carroll after just one season to hiring Klint Kubiak as the new offensive coordinator and now cutting Smith. The team’s poor performance in the previous season, finishing 3-14, led them to secure the top pick in the upcoming draft.
Smith’s performance last season was lackluster, with high interception numbers and struggles with the offensive line. In contrast, Mendoza is highly touted as the likely top pick after winning the Heisman Trophy and leading his team to a national championship.
As the Raiders look to the future, it is expected that General Manager John Spytek will be active in free agency to find a veteran quarterback. Smith, despite his release, remained positive and texted NFL insider Josina Anderson with the words “Onward and Upward.”
The pressure is on for the Raiders to make the right moves in the offseason, especially with a rookie quarterback waiting in the wings. The new league year is approaching, and Kubiak will need to navigate a team in transition while also managing the financial implications of releasing Smith.
Overall, the Raiders’ decision to potentially delay Mendoza’s start and bring in a veteran quarterback has sparked mixed reactions from fans. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how they handle the quarterback situation and rebuild for success.
The article was edited by nagpaltusharn25.
