Raiders could net generational talent as Geno Smith’s heir apparent

While the Las Vegas Raiders guaranteed themselves some stability by trading for quarterback Geno Smith this offseason, they still must have one eye on their future at the position.

Despite extending Smith shortly after acquiring him from the Seattle Seahawks through 2027, the guaranteed money on his new deal runs out after 2026. As a result, Smith has a two-year deal with a team option for 2027, which the Raiders could move on from with no strings attached if they choose to. With that in mind, the Raiders are expected to continue looking for their next starting quarterback, especially after they waited to select one in April’s draft until the sixth round.

The Raiders might have passed on Shedeur Sanders, but it is hard to see them saying no to another prospect with NFL bloodlines if he becomes available.

The Raiders could have a tremendous opportunity to find their quarterback of the future.

In an early 2026 mock draft, Pro Football and Sports Network’s Jacob Infante has the Raiders swinging for the fences in 2026, drafting Texas quarterback Arch Manning with the ninth overall pick.

“Geno Smith gives the Las Vegas Raiders a huge upgrade at quarterback for the 2025 season, but he turns 35 in October and has a potential out after 2026. That’s the perfect opportunity to draft a quarterback early next year and have him sit for a year or two behind Smith,” Infante wrote.

“Arch Manning enters the 2025 season with just two college starts under his belt, and he still needs to improve his footwork and feel for backside pressure. But he’s a great athlete, sees the field well, and has a live arm with strong off-platform mechanics. He’s not QB1 yet — but he’s a clear top pick in this mock.”

While Manning has been in the national spotlight for a while now, he will never be under the microscope more than he is this season.

Seeing only spot starts in his first two seasons under new Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers, Manning has shown talent with 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Entering his first season as the undisputed starter in Austin, Manning comes in with something to prove. However, this also makes it hard to predict where he will ultimately end up in the draft, assuming he even declares at all due to having some eligibility left after this season.

Manning to the Raiders is an enticing possibility, but it is also the least likely of all to actually happen.