Raiders Make a Splash, Acquire Geno Smith to Stabilize Quarterback Position
The Las Vegas Raiders have addressed their persistent quarterback woes, reportedly acquiring veteran Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade finalized Friday. The move signals a clear intent to solidify the team’s leadership under center heading into the 2025 season. According to numerous reports, the Raiders are sending a third-round pick, specifically the 68th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, to Seattle in exchange for the experienced signal caller.
This acquisition represents a significant gamble for the Raiders, a team that has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position since the departure of Derek Carr. The revolving door of quarterbacks in Las Vegas has been a constant source of frustration for fans and a drain on the team’s overall performance. General Manager Tom Telesco and Head Coach Antonio Pierce clearly identified the need for a proven leader and believe that Smith is the answer to their problems.
For Smith, the trade marks a reunion with familiar territory. He will once again be working under the guidance of former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, a relationship that fostered growth and success during their time together in Seattle from 2019 to 2023. Carroll’s influence on Smith’s career is undeniable, helping him resurrect his career after years as a backup and transform into a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. This established connection should provide a smoother transition for Smith into the Raiders’ system and potentially unlock his full potential.
The move also carries significant financial implications for both teams. Smith was entering the final year of his three-year, $75 million contract extension signed prior to the 2023 season. His scheduled cap hit of $44.5 million in 2025 would have been a substantial burden for the Seahawks. By trading Smith, Seattle alleviates some of that financial pressure, freeing up $17.5 million in cap space. This added flexibility could allow the Seahawks to pursue other roster upgrades or extend existing contracts.
The Raiders, on the other hand, are absorbing Smith’s salary into their cap. While the exact breakdown of how the Raiders will manage Smith’s contract is yet to be fully disclosed, the team has ample cap space to accommodate the veteran quarterback. They entered the offseason with the second-most available cap space in the league and still possess financial flexibility even after extending star edge rusher Maxx Crosby’s contract.
The Raiders’ quarterback carousel has been well-documented. Since Carr joined the New Orleans Saints in the 2023 offseason, the team has started five different quarterbacks: Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, Desmond Ridder, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Brian Hoyer. None of these quarterbacks were able to establish themselves as the long-term solution the Raiders desperately needed. The constant changes under center disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm and hindered their ability to compete consistently.
The acquisition of Smith offers a glimmer of hope for stability. He brings experience, leadership, and a proven track record of success, albeit in a different system. The Raiders are banking on Smith’s ability to acclimate quickly to their offensive scheme and provide a steady hand to guide the team. Furthermore, Smith represents the Raiders’ first Pro Bowl quarterback since Carr, a testament to his talent and accomplishments.
The trade also alters the quarterback landscape in Seattle. With Smith’s departure, the Seahawks are left with Sam Howell and Jaren Hall as their current quarterbacks. Howell, acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders, is expected to compete for the starting job, while Hall, a 2023 fifth-round pick, will likely serve as a backup. The Seahawks may also consider adding another quarterback through the draft or free agency to further bolster their depth at the position.
The move is a calculated risk for both teams. The Raiders are hoping Smith can provide the stability and leadership they have been lacking at quarterback. The Seahawks are betting that the cap savings and draft pick acquired in the trade will allow them to improve their roster in other areas.
The impact of this trade will be felt throughout the league. It will be intriguing to watch how Smith performs in his new environment and whether he can replicate the success he had in Seattle. The Raiders’ success in 2025 will likely hinge on his performance. Similarly, the Seahawks’ ability to replace Smith’s production will be crucial to their own playoff aspirations.
The acquisition of Geno Smith is a bold move by the Las Vegas Raiders, signaling their commitment to winning and their belief in Smith’s ability to lead the team to success. While questions remain about his fit within the Raiders’ system and his long-term viability, the move undoubtedly injects a sense of optimism into a franchise desperate for stability and leadership at the quarterback position. The Raiders are hoping that Geno Smith will finally be the answer to their long-standing quarterback dilemma. This story will be updated as more information is available.
