Why 2026 May Be the Year the Raiders Get Their Franchise QB

The Las Vegas Raiders’ recent trade for Geno Smith shifts their quarterback valuation, making a compelling case to wait until 2026 to draft a franchise QB. With Smith now in the fold, the urgency to grab a rookie in 2025 minimizes, and patience could position the Raiders for a more impactful long-term solution. Here’s why holding off in 2025 is on the table.

First, the 2025 draft class doesn’t scream “can’t-miss” at quarterback. Prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward have upside, but Sanders’ limited exposure to top-tier defenses and Ward’s late emergence introduce risks that don’t align with a team needing a surefire star. Contrast that with 2026, where Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava are already hyped as potential game-changers. With Smith as a capable bridge, the Raiders can afford to wait for a higher-ceiling talent rather than gambling on this year’s uncertain prospects.

Second, the roster still needs work to support a young quarterback. The offensive line has holes, and beyond Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, the weapons are underwhelming. A rookie thrust into this setup could fail, as we’ve seen with countless prospects derailed by shaky foundations in the past. Smith, a proven veteran who revitalized his career in Seattle, can handle these imperfections while the Raiders use 2025 to fortify the line, add playmakers, and refine their scheme. This sets the stage for a 2026 draftee to step into a polished operation, not a rebuilding one.

Finally, Geno Smith’s presence buys time without sacrificing competitiveness. At 34, he’s no long-term answer, but his 2022-23 resurgence, leading the NFL in completion percentage and earning a Pro Bowl nod, shows he can keep the Raiders afloat. Pairing him with a high 2025 draft pick spent on a non-QB need (like a cornerstone tackle or receiver) strengthens the team now and later. This avoids the sunk cost of a rookie sitting behind Smith or being rushed into action unprepared.

The Raiders have stumbled through quarterback purgatory for years. With Geno Smith providing stability, waiting until 2026 to draft a franchise QB, while building a roster worthy of him, could end that cycle. It’s not flashy, but it’s smart, and it might just bring the Silver and Black back to prominence.