The Las Vegas Raiders acquired Quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick on Friday night. He gives a Vegas team searching for answers at quarterback stability as they look to get back on the winning track. Smith will also reunite with former Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll. He coached Smith for four seasons when they were both in Seattle. In Carroll’s first season with the Las Vegas Raiders, he will turn to a familiar face.
Smith is coming off a solid three seasons as Seattle’s starting quarterback. He took over for Russell Wilson after the 2021 campaign. Smith revitalized his career in Seattle winning Comeback Player of the Year and was named to two Pro Bowls during his tenure. He had another solid regular season in 2024. He was fourth in the league in passing yards and 13th in touchdown passes. Will he be able to be just as successful in 2025 with the Las Vegas Raiders?
Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Outlook
It has been a busy few days for the new-look Raiders. They made Defensive End Maxx Crosby the highest-paid non-QB in the league. Now, they have their starting quarterback for at least the next season. Vegas was always going to be active in the quarterback this offseason. They were reportedly pursuing Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford, but the team was forced to pivot once he restructured his contract to remain in Los Angeles.
Other quarterbacks Las Vegas was linked to following the Stafford news were Aaron Rodgers, Wilson, and Sam Darnold. Smith joins a Las Vegas Raiders team with one marquee weapon. Tight End Brock Bowers had a rookie season for the ages. He was third in the league in receptions and eighth in receiving touchdowns. He will look to be even better with a veteran QB under center.
Final Thoughts
This is a low-risk move for the franchise. Smith can be used as a bridge quarterback until the Raiders can find a permanent solution at this position. Tonight’s trade also does not stop Las Vegas from taking a quarterback with the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A quarterback-needy has seemingly solved the position for at least one season.
