Geno Smith can force Raiders to make a tough Fernando Mendoza decision

The Las Vegas Raiders have a chance to turn their franchise around with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Barring a shocking turn of events, they will take Indiana star QB Fernando Mendoza with it. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean Mendoza will start right away. It doesn't even mean they'll move on from Geno Smith.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Raiders' financial ties to Smith and reluctance to start a rookie QB in Week 1 might make them roll with Smith again next season. 

Geno Smith might stay with Raiders

"The Raiders are expected to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the draft, but they're telling people they'd rather not play a rookie QB in Week 1. So, because they have to pay Smith anyway, they could keep him and start him until Mendoza is ready. If they part ways, there will be interest in Smith," Graziano wrote.

Despite not playing in every game, Smith threw a league-worst 17 interceptions last season. He was erratic, made poor decisions and struggled to read coverage more often than not.

That said, Chip Kelly's offensive system and a subpar offensive line also took a big toll on his chances to succeed. Mendoza is the clear-cut QB1 in this rather underwhelming draft class, but he may not have been a top-10 pick in other classes. As such, it only makes sense that new head coach Klint Kubiak wants to make sure he's ready before they throw him into the fire.