In a significant move, the Las Vegas Raiders have secured quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, revitalizing his relationship with coach Pete Carroll. This trade arrangement, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler, involved the Raiders exchanging their 2025 third-round draft pick, positioned 92nd overall.
Transaction Breakdown
The acquisition marks the end of Smith’s six-year tenure in Seattle, during which he transformed his career and earned Pro Bowl recognition twice. The Raiders will assume Smith’s remaining contract, which includes a $31 million obligation for the next year, while the Seahawks save that amount in cash and salary cap space, absorbing $13.5 million in dead money.
Performance Overview
During the 2024 season, the 34-year-old Smith achieved impressive statistics, completing 70.4% of his passes and amassing 4,320 yards alongside 21 touchdowns, despite also throwing 15 interceptions. His performance contributed to the Seahawks’ 10-7 record, although they fell short of playoff contention under the new leadership of head coach Mike Macdonald.
Statistical Insights
- Completed 70.4% of passes
- 4,320 passing yards
- 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions
- Broke franchise records for passing yards and completion rate
- Led four game-winning drives during the season
Quarterback Dynamics
Smith’s interception total placed him third in the NFL, with a notable number occurring in critical scoring scenarios. Despite this, he was a key player, leading the league alongside Patrick Mahomes for game-winning drives over the previous two seasons.
Macdonald had publicly affirmed Smith’s position as the starting quarterback, emphasizing his capabilities and value to the team. “Geno’s our quarterback,” he stated, denoting his confidence in Smith’s skills and leadership.
Contractual Context
After re-signing Smith to a lucrative three-year, $75 million contract in March 2023, an array of incentives could have augmented his earnings significantly. However, negotiations for a new deal grew complicated this offseason, prompting the Seahawks to entertain trade offers when talks stalled. Reports suggest that the Raiders were actively seeking a quarterback following a challenging season marked by inconsistent play from various starters.
Implications for Both Teams
This trade signifies a pivotal shift for both franchises. The Seahawks now face the prospect of moving forward with Sam Howell and Jaren Hall as their quarterback options, with the intention of pursuing a more established player in the upcoming free agency. For the Raiders, Smith will become the seventh quarterback to take the field since Derek Carr’s departure following the 2022 season.
With a clear objective of achieving immediate results, Carroll expressed a desire for the team to build on this new trajectory swiftly. “We are trying to take it as far as we can as soon as we possibly can,” he articulated, underscoring the urgency in reshaping the roster for success in the 2025 season.
Future Outlook
While Smith’s acquisition bolsters the Raiders’ offense, the team must enhance its surrounding talent to ensure success. Key offensive players include tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, both of whom have demonstrated their potential in recent performances.
This trade marks the beginning of a new chapter for Geno Smith and the Raiders, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season ahead.