Raiders Predicted to Replace Geno Smith With Exciting 21-TD Quarterback

Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Raiders Predicted to Replace Geno Smith With Exciting 21-TD Quarterback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 8:18 PM ET

Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) are heading into Monday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

Smith, 35, was acquired via trade by the Raiders in March from the Seattle Seahawks. He was expected to hit the ground running in Sin City as first-year head coach Pete Carroll resurrected his career after he bounced around the league as a backup. Unfortunately for Smith, the same success he found in Seattle has yet to translate to Las Vegas, as he has struggled to protect the football, throwing for 1,844 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) scrambles with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos on Nov. 6, 2025.Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

While the two-time Pro-Bowler signed a two-year deal worth $75 million after being traded to Las Vegas, the consensus around the league is that his best football is behind him, and the team will need to look elsewhere for a franchise quarterback.

A sentiment that CBS Sports' Mike Renner echoed in his latest mock draft, which saw him predict that the Raiders would select Oregon's Dante Moore as Smith's successor.

"While the Indiana game was tough, Moore bounced back with his best performance of the season against Rutgers," wrote Renner. "He's got such a talented arm that it's hard not to see him getting drafted highly -- it's more just a matter of when at this point. With the Raiders having Geno Smith under contract, they can afford to take someone like Moore, who hasn't played a ton of football, to develop in the background."

Moore has led the No. 8 Ducks to a 9-1 record this season, throwing for 2,190 yards and 21 touchdowns to five picks, while completing 72.8% of his passes. After waiting his turn behind Dillon Gabriel, he appears to be one of the most talented gunslingers in the class, should he decide to declare.

Smith's contract could force the team to keep him around, but at this point in his career, it appears he is better served as a backup who can mentor a younger quarterback rather than being someone teams rely on to help them contend.

Monday's game kicks at 8:15 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN/ABC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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