Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Teddy Bridgewater

Wednesday, December 31, 3:41 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said that quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) will not play on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it's going to be really hard for him," Carroll said. Smith suffered a serious ankle injury in the Week 17 loss to the New York Giants and won't suit up for a meaningless contest to close out the regular season. With the 35-year-old veteran wrapping up a brutal first year in the desert, backup Kenny Pickett is expected to start this weekend. Aidan O'Connell could also end up splitting time with Pickett against KC. Smith was one of the worst starting QBs in football in 2025, completing 67.4% of his 448 pass attempts for 3,205 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 starts.

Monday, January 5, 7:08 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who will be a free agent in March, said he wants to continue playing but hasn't talked to the team about a potential return, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Bridgewater only appeared in four games (zero starts) in his first year with Tampa in 2025, going 8-for-15 passing for 62 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 33-year-old veteran would be backing up Baker Mayfield again if he re-signs with the team for the 2026 season. Bridgewater isn't a terrible backup option for teams looking for QB depth this offseason, but he probably isn't going to get any realistic looks to compete for a starting gig. The 11-year pro will be a long shot for any fantasy value if he comes back next season. Bridgewater hasn't started a game in the NFL since 2022 with the Miami Dolphins.