HENDERSON, Nev. — In a significant move addressing their quarterback situation, the Las Vegas Raiders secured Geno Smith from Seattle on Friday, reuniting him with former coach Pete Carroll. The acquisition was confirmed by a person with knowledge of the trade.
As reported, the Raiders gave up a third-round draft pick in exchange for Smith, a 34-year-old quarterback and two-time Pro Bowler. This trade reintegrates Smith with Carroll, now leading the Raiders, while the Seahawks are left to search for a new starting quarterback.
Smith completed the previous season with an impressive 4,320 passing yards, alongside 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He is poised as the top contender for the starting quarterback position as Las Vegas begins its next NFL season, regardless of any quarterbacks that might be selected in the upcoming draft.
While the Raiders hold the sixth pick in the draft, drafting Miami’s Cam Ward is improbable. The opportunity to select Shedeur Sanders from Colorado could arise, depending on Sanders’ availability. If so, Las Vegas might follow a strategy similar to the Atlanta Falcons, who last season signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr.
Alternatives in the draft could include other prospects like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, or the Raiders might decide against a quarterback addition, which would leave their quarterback roster with Smith and Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell, despite concluding the past two seasons as a starter, has yet to showcase the potential to lead the Raiders in a competitive AFC West.
The Raiders’ previous poor performance record of 4-13 led to the dismissal of coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco.
Carroll seems determined to replicate the success he found with Smith when he reinvigorated the quarterback’s career in Seattle in 2019. Smith, who had short stints with the New York Jets, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Chargers, didn’t immediately shine in Seattle. However, by choosing Smith as the starter in 2022, Carroll witnessed Smith achieving remarkable feats, notably leading the league with a 69.8% pass completion rate, totaling 4,282 yards, and 30 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Smith’s stellar performance earned him the title of the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.
During Smith’s time, the Seahawks enjoyed winning records across three seasons.
Acquiring Smith marks another bold offseason maneuver by the Raiders, including the contract extension for defensive end Maxx Crosby earlier in the week. Crosby’s record-setting deal, a three-year extension valued at $106.5 million with $91.5 million guaranteed, underscores a new direction under Carroll, general manager John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady.
The Raiders’ efforts might culminate in postseason success, though they face tough competition in an AFC West with elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix. Smith’s addition also disrupts potential plans for Aaron Rodgers, recently released by the Jets, who is searching for a new team.
This change in the Raiders’ quarterback depth renders it unlikely Smith will find a landing spot with the Raiders, solidifying their current direction for the upcoming season.