Raiders Free Up Cap Space, What Will GM John Spytek Do?

The Las Vegas Raiders’ trade for Geno Smith, paired with the restructuring of Christian Wilkins’ contract to free upwards of $59 million in cap space, has shifted the franchise’s trajectory, at least for now. General Manager John Spytek, utilizing his Tampa Bay pedigree, has secured a proven quarterback to steady the ship, but Smith feels more like a bridge than a cornerstone. With this financial flexibility, the Raiders are poised to make moves, but their next steps will reveal whether they’re building for 2025 or beyond.

Smith, 34, brings immediate credibility. His last three seasons with Seattle boasts a 77.9% adjusted completion rate, and an 85.3 passing grade, per PFF, prove he’s no slouch. Reuniting with Pete Carroll, who coached him to Pro Bowl heights, ensures a seamless fit. Yet, his age and injury history suggest he’s not the long-term answer. Spytek likely sees him as a bridge, buying time to groom a successor while maximizing the roster’s potential now. That $59 million could fund that dual-track plan.

One option is bolstering the offense around Smith. The Raiders lack a true WR1 post-Davante Adams and a dynamic running back, holes Spytek could plug with a trade for a star like George Pickens. Extending Kolton Miller, who is in his final contract year, would also protect Smith and his eventual replacement. Alternatively, Spytek might hoard cap space for the draft, targeting a quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders at No. 6 or Dart in the second round, to sit behind Smith, ensuring a smooth transition.

Defensively, Wilkins and Maxx Crosby are a menace for opposing offenses, but the secondary and linebacker corps need depth. Spytek could chase a veteran corner like Asante Samuel Jr. or another linebacker, capitalizing on the market’s midseason bargains. His Tampa success came from balancing now and later, I would expect more of that in Las Vegas.

Smith solves the Raiders’ quarterback woes for the immediate future, not forever. Spytek’s $59 million surplus hints at a two-pronged approach: win now with Smith while prepping for tomorrow. It’s a reasonable gamble, Smith keeps them competitive, but the real prize might be the rookie waiting in the wings. The Raiders are playing chess, not checkers.