Raiders QB Geno Smith Hit With Dreaded Label Amid Slump
The Las Vegas Raiders have made some bad bets on veteran quarterbacks over the last few years, but Geno Smith might be the worst of the bunch. Jimmy Garoppolo was a disaster, but the team didn’t have to trade anything to get him.
Gardner Minshew was benched after nine starts, but the Raiders didn’t pay him much money. Not only did Las Vegas trade a third-round pick to get Smith, but they also gave him a huge two-year contract extension.
It’s looking more and more like this will be his lone season with the Raiders. Smith is 2-5 as a starter and is tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions. He has been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the league this season.
He has to turn things around soon, or the Raiders may have to consider benching him. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report went through and named every team’s most disappointing player, and Smith was the obvious choice for Las Vegas.
“It’s obviously disappointing that Brock Bowers has yet to score in his sophomore season, but a knee injury is a factor there,” Gagnon wrote. “Also, his expensive new quarterback has seven touchdown passes to a tied-for-league-high 10 interceptions. The experiment has failed.”
Smith Ranked as 30th QB in NFL
There’s plenty of bad quarterback play in the NFL every season. The problem with Smith is that he’s a veteran making a lot of money, so he can’t afford to be playing like a rookie.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports ranked every quarterback in the NFL ahead of Week 8, and Smith was ranked 30th.
“Speaking of turnovers, Smith barely had any chances to give the ball away in his latest outing, but that’s because Las Vegas couldn’t advance down the field,” Benjamin wrote. “Pete Carroll wants to win now, but his old friend has thrown into traffic more than most.”
The only two quarterbacks ranked lower than Smith were rookies Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel. Tyrod Taylor has only started one game this season, and he was ranked higher. It might not be fair to rank Smith that low, but it shows how little analysts think of him right now.
How Much Longer is Smith’s Leash?
The Raiders aren’t going to be a playoff team this season. They’ve already dug themselves into a hole and don’t have the talent to go on a big run to end the year.
However, that doesn’t mean the Raiders can keep putting Smith out there if he’s going to play so poorly. Head coach Pete Carroll’s whole gimmick is “comPETE.” It’s hard to preach that when a player is playing about as poorly as anybody in the NFL, but he keeps getting chances.
Carroll could lose a lot of credibility in the locker room if he’s not willing to treat Smith the way he treats everybody else. The easiest fix is for Smith to at least provide serviceable quarterback play. The Raiders don’t need him to be Josh Allen; they just need him to throw more touchdowns than interceptions.
LATEST NEWS: The Commanders have officially announced the return of former star Asante Samuel Jr. after a long period of silence due to a mysterious medical issue. This time, Asante Samuel Jr. will return to a more prominent role on the team…
The Washington Commanders have shocked fans and analysts across the league with the official announcement of cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.’s return to the roster, ending months of uncertainty and speculation surrounding his health and football future. After being sidelined for most of the year due to what team officials previously described only as a “private medical issue,” Samuel is set to make a comeback — and this time,
The return of the 25-year-old defensive back comes at a pivotal moment in the Commanders’ season, as the team looks to solidify its playoff hopes amid growing injury concerns in the secondary.
A Long and Mysterious Absence
For nearly four months, Asante Samuel Jr. was completely absent from practices, team meetings, and even public appearances. The Commanders initially labeled his absence as “non-football related,” offering no further details, which led to an avalanche of rumors — ranging from undisclosed illness to family emergencies or even career-threatening conditions.
Insiders now confirm that Samuel’s time away was due to a rare autoimmune disorder that caused extreme fatigue and inflammation, forcing doctors to limit his physical activity for an extended period. However, with months of recovery, rest, and specialized treatment, the young cornerback has reportedly
In an emotional press release issued on Thursday, Samuel finally broke his silence:
“It’s been a tough road. I went through something that I wouldn’t wish on any athlete — but I never lost faith. The Commanders organization, my teammates, and my family stood by me when I needed it most. I’m ready to get back on the field and give this team everything I’ve got.”
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The Commanders’ Statement: “We’re Getting One of Our Best Back”
Head Coach Dan Quinn confirmed the news during a press conference at the team’s facility in Ashburn, Virginia, and praised Samuel’s determination.
“Asante fought through something incredibly difficult, and to see him back in uniform is inspiring,” Quinn said. “He’s not just cleared — he’s sharp, focused, and ready. We’re getting one of our best defenders back at the perfect time.”
The Commanders’ defensive coordinator added that Samuel will be given an expanded role, possibly switching between cornerback and nickel formations to maximize his versatility.
“We know what he brings — elite instincts, quick hands, and confidence in coverage. But more than that, Asante brings a spark that elevates everyone around him,” Quinn added.
Team officials confirmed that Samuel will suit up for next week’s game against the New York Giants, though his exact snap count will depend on his conditioning and game flow.
Inside the Locker Room — A Reunion Full of Emotion
Inside the Commanders’ locker room, the news of Samuel’s return was met with cheers, hugs, and tears. Star wide receiver
“When you see a guy fight for his health and never give up, it inspires you,” McLaurin said. “Asante’s got that fire back, and you can feel it already.”
Defensive captain Jonathan Allen echoed the sentiment:
“He’s like a little brother to a lot of us. Having him back changes everything — the energy, the chemistry, the belief. It feels like the defense is whole again.”
The Commanders’ social media team immediately posted a short video of Samuel walking into the locker room to applause, with the caption:
“Back where he belongs. Welcome home, Asante.”
Within minutes, the clip went viral across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, amassing over 2 million views.
A Career That Promised Greatness
Asante Samuel Jr., the son of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel Sr., has long been regarded as one of the most technically gifted defensive backs of his generation. Drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021, Samuel quickly made a name for himself with
He was traded to the Commanders in 2024 as part of a major defensive overhaul led by new ownership, and in his first few games in Washington, Samuel delivered — recording
Analysts praised his early chemistry with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s system, which thrives on man-to-man discipline and quick reaction plays. His absence, however, left a noticeable void in Washington’s secondary — one the team has struggled to fill despite solid performances from
Now, with Samuel’s return, the Commanders may finally regain the balance and depth they’ve been missing.
The Bigger Picture — Timing Couldn’t Be Better
The Commanders are currently in the thick of the NFC playoff race, sitting at 5–3 after a dramatic overtime win against the Cowboys. With upcoming matchups against the Giants, Eagles, and 49ers, the defense needs to be at full strength.
Insiders believe Samuel’s return will allow Washington to shift its defensive scheme back to its preferred press-coverage formation, freeing up the safeties and giving more blitz flexibility to linebackers.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport commented:
“This is a massive boost. Getting Asante back now is like signing a star free agent midseason. He’s got the talent and football IQ to change games — and that’s exactly what the Commanders need.”
Fans React — “A Comeback Story Worth Celebrating”
Across social media, Commanders fans have expressed overwhelming joy and relief at the news. On X, #WelcomeBackAsante trended nationally within hours of the announcement.
One fan wrote:
“The secondary just got its heart back. Let’s go, Commanders!”
Another posted a throwback photo of Samuel’s interception against the Eagles last season, captioned:
“Same player. New chapter. Stronger than ever.”
Even players from other teams chimed in, with Chargers safety Derwin James tweeting:
“Proud of my brother @asantesamueljr — keep proving why you belong.”
What’s Next for Asante Samuel Jr.?
While Samuel’s full role will develop in the coming weeks, his journey back to the field has already become one of the season’s most inspiring stories. Reporters close to the Commanders say he has been training under a carefully monitored regimen for the past month and has regained nearly all of his pre-illness speed and endurance.
If all goes according to plan, Samuel could be back to full participation by Week 11, just in time for the Commanders’ crucial stretch against NFC rivals.
Off the field, Samuel has reportedly started working on a foundation focused on autoimmune disease awareness, aiming to help athletes and children facing similar health battles.
“If I can use my story to help others, then everything I went through will have meaning,” he told reporters.
A Symbol of Resilience
For the Washington Commanders, Asante Samuel Jr.’s return is about more than football — it’s about perseverance, strength, and unity. In a league often dominated by statistics and headlines, his story stands as a reminder that some of the greatest victories happen before the whistle ever blows.
As the Commanders prepare for their next game, one thing is certain: the return of Asante Samuel Jr. has reignited not just the defense — but the spirit of an entire franchise.
