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By Ernesto Cova
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The Las Vegas Raiders averaged 14.2 points per game last season, the fewest in the league. They were tied for the worst record with just three wins, securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As such, most fans and analysts assume they will take Indiana star QB Fernando Mendoza to revamp their offense. With new head coach Klint Kubiak at the helm and young stars like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, the Raiders' offense could look much better in 2026.
However, it seems like Kubiak isn't ready to give up on Geno Smith. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator admitted that he's keeping an open mind about his starting quarterback.
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"(We're) looking at all options right now," Kubiak said, per Taylor Rocha. "Watching Geno play last year, (I'm) obviously pretty familiar with what he had done before; putting all on the table right now, trying to see every possible avenue we can go next year at quarterback, and he's definitely one of those options."
Despite not playing in two games, Smith led the league with 17 interceptions. He completed 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns, adding 31 carries for 109 yards. The former Seahawks signal-caller is signed through the 2027 season and is slated to make $26.5 million next season.
As for Mendoza, he's the consensus No. 1 prospect in this class. The Heisman trophy winner led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and the first national championship in program history.
That said, the Raiders are much more than just a quarterback away from returning to playoff contention. They have solid weapons, but they need to rebuild the offensive line before throwing their rookie quarterback into the fire.
Even if he doesn't start in Week 1, Mendoza will most likely take the field at some point in the season, assuming the Raiders stay put and make him the first player off the board come April 23.
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