Geno Smith has had a tough start with the Las Vegas Raiders so far this season as the team sits fourth in the AFC West. Frustration is mounting, but Smith seems determined and isn’t making any excuses. Specifically, after the quarterback suffered a quad contusion on the opening play of the fourth quarter during a 10-7 loss to Denver. Now, whispers are growing louder in Las Vegas linking the Raiders to a $230 million quarterback who could replace Smith if things don’t turn around soon. 

As pressure mounts for the QB, he posted a carousel of photographs on Instagram looking like he means business for the remainder of the season. “Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses,” the caption read.

Smith arrived in Las Vegas this season with a promise of avoiding a late-season collapse for the third consecutive year. Yet, a daunting slump has loomed over them this season with a 2-7 record. Smith is completing 66.7 % of his passes across 178 completions on 267 attempts. He hit receivers for big gains, which mirrors his 2024 season with the Seattle Seahawks and has carried it with the Raiders so far.

But the reality is tougher than the highlight reels. Geno Smith has thrown 12 interceptions this year already. His passer rating is just 81.4, and his QBR sits at a dismal 34.5, currently last-tier among starters. 

Meanwhile, the offensive line is leaking pressure: through just three weeks, the unit had 51 pressures and 12 sacks allowed. Production has been inconsistent. In his debut with the Las Vegas Raiders, Smith threw for 362 yards and one touchdown, a strong showing. In week two, he faltered, managing only 180 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Injuries and team-wide issues such as a deviated offense, strong yet slow defense, and receivers struggling to convert haven’t helped.

The Raiders have already invested too much time building the structure of their offensive line, but reports swirl about eyeing a potential quarterback replacement heading into 2026. If Geno Smith doesn’t turn the offense around fast, the franchise may look elsewhere. That makes right now a critical moment for him and the team.

Meanwhile, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests a potential quarterback upgrade ahead of the 2026 season.

Kyler Murray could replace Smith after a disastrous season

Knox proposes a deal of sending the Arizona Cardinals a first-round pick in 2027 and a third-rounder next season for two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray. 

“If the Raiders can find a viable alternative, they can release [Smith] with a post-June 1 designation in the spring and save $8 million in cap space. [Head coach Pete] Carroll has also worked with an undersized dual-threat quarterback before in Russell Wilson. Murray’s scrambling ability could be a boon to Chip Kelly’s offense, and the Raiders do have a strong skill group that could support the former Pro Bowler,” Kristopher Knox wrote in a trade package report for Murray.  

The Arizona Cardinals placed Murray on injured reserve due to his current mid-foot strain, enabling Jacoby Brissett to fill in. Murray produced impressive numbers before his injury. In five games this season, he threw for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 68.3% of his passes. His career completion percentage trends at 67.1%, indicating effective decision-making and distribution.

In comparison to Smith, Murray’s agility and accuracy make him a better conceptual fit for the struggling offense. The Raiders need a quarterback who can prolong plays, have greater big-play ability, and boost conversion rates. Murray’s competitive advantage is highlighted by his dual-threat style and his track record of comeback drives (11 in the fourth quarter).

Murray could become the frontline option heading into 2026 if Smith fails to take action. His availability and potential turn him into a serious contender for the job.