Total Pro Sports
So much for family connections. Just days before training camp kicks off, the Las Vegas Raiders made a surprising move by cutting quarterback Carter Bradley. Although the timing is crucial. But the decision is not shocking.
Bradley’s NFL dreams were always going to be a bit tough. He came in last year as an undrafted free agent and never had much room to breathe. This new coaching staff didn’t sign him, and with Geno Smith, Aidan O’Connell, and rookie Cam Miller already in the room, there just wasn’t a seat left at the table.
Bradley had one thing going for him: his last name. He’s the son of Gus Bradley, a respected defensive coordinator who coached alongside Raiders head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle. But bloodlines don’t win you a job in the NFL. Not anymore.
The Raiders announced Bradley’s release on Monday, a clear sign that the coaching staff had already seen enough. He never got a fair shot in the offseason—no minicamp hype. No buzz. Just a quiet exit before pads even come on.
We have waived QB Carter Bradley. pic.twitter.com/xyAKDJkEAu
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 14, 2025
After removing Bradley, Las Vegas has three quarterbacks heading into camp. Geno Smith, who arrived in a trade this offseason, is locked in as the starter. Aidan O’Connell is penciled in as the backup unless rookie Cam Miller explodes in camp. That scenario is unlikely but not impossible.
Smith’s arrival raised some eyebrows. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler left him off the league’s top-10 QB rankings, with not even a single vote from execs or scouts. Pro Football Focus disagrees. They slotted Smith at No. 10, citing his 85.8 passing grade over the past two seasons. That’s just 0.2 points behind Patrick Mahomes, according to PFF analyst John Kosko.
“He protects the football and has a knack for generating big-time throws,” Kosko wrote. “He should enjoy an improved offensive line but a downgrade in receiving weapons.”
As for Bradley, there’s still hope he could land on a practice squad. But let’s be honest, being let go before training camp doesn’t scream “developmental priority.”
The Raiders’ quarterback room isn’t elite, but it’s competent. That’s a significant upgrade from last season. If Smith stays healthy and O’Connell continues growing, the team might have enough at the position. For Carter Bradley, though, the road ahead just got steeper.
Also Read: “He Was Such A Great Teammate”: Former Las Vegas Raiders Star Tragically Dies
