Geno Smith Traded to Raiders: A Deep Dive into the NFL Offseason’s First Major Quarterback Move
The 2025 NFL offseason has officially entered a new phase with a seismic shift in the quarterback landscape. Geno Smith, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is heading to the Las Vegas Raiders in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, who will receive a third-round draft pick in return. This move marks a significant turning point for both franchises, each heading down markedly different paths.
For the Raiders, the acquisition of Smith addresses a critical need at the quarterback position, a need that has haunted the franchise for far too long. After missing out on veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who opted to remain with the Los Angeles Rams, and facing a draft class seemingly less promising than the previous year’s quarterback bonanza, the Raiders were left with limited options. Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell, while serviceable, did not inspire confidence as long-term solutions. Smith offers a degree of stability and proven ability, providing the Raiders with a veteran presence under center.
The Raiders’ pursuit of stability at the quarterback position has been a priority for owner Mark Davis, who expressed his concerns as far back as last fall. With the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Raiders were unlikely to secure Cam Ward of Miami (Fla.), widely considered the draft’s only sure-fire top-five quarterback prospect. This, combined with the underwhelming free-agent market for quarterbacks, made the trade for Smith an attractive, and perhaps the best, option available.
While Smith, at 34, might not be a franchise-altering quarterback, he brings experience, leadership, and a proven track record of success, particularly in overcoming challenging circumstances. Last season, Smith completed a career-high 70.4% of his passes despite facing significant challenges, including poor pass protection (Seattle ranked 21st in ESPN’s pass-block win rate) and a struggling run game. His ability to thrive despite these obstacles underscores his resilience and adaptability, qualities that will be invaluable for the Raiders.
The Raiders possess an extra third-round pick acquired in the Davante Adams trade, which gives them ample resources to build around Smith. With over $80 million in cap space, the Raiders are well-positioned to bolster their roster in free agency, addressing needs on the offensive line and potentially revitalizing their league-worst run game. Players like Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty could be targeted in the draft, further enhancing the Raiders’ offensive capabilities.
Adding another layer of intrigue is the reunion between Smith and Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who previously worked together in Seattle. This familiarity should facilitate a smooth transition for Smith, as Carroll understands his strengths and weaknesses, potentially maximizing his impact on the Raiders’ offense. Smith has only one year remaining on his contract, but reports suggest an extension is likely, signaling the Raiders’ commitment to him as their quarterback for the foreseeable future. The key for the Raiders is to avoid a substantial long-term commitment to Smith, allowing them to maintain financial flexibility while enjoying his services.
On the other side of the trade, the Seahawks are embarking on a significant offensive overhaul under head coach Mike Macdonald. Trading Smith represents a bold decision to move away from the status quo and embrace a new offensive identity. Macdonald’s initial reluctance to commit to Smith and the subsequent firing of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after just one season foreshadowed this shift.
The Seahawks have publicly stated their intention to adopt a "smashmouth" running game, aligning with Macdonald’s defensive-minded philosophy. The hiring of Klint Kubiak as the new offensive coordinator reinforces this commitment to a run-centric attack. This change in philosophy also led to the release of veteran receiver Tyler Lockett and the potential trade of DK Metcalf, further indicating a complete reimagining of the Seahawks’ offense.
While the Seahawks narrowly missed the playoffs last season with a 10-7 record, this trade raises concerns about their ability to maintain, or even improve upon, that level of competitiveness. The team appears to be taking a step back in the short term, betting that their new offensive philosophy will ultimately lead to long-term success.
The Seahawks are reportedly targeting Sam Darnold, who worked under Kubiak as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, as a potential replacement for Smith. While Darnold showed promise during his brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings, his susceptibility to pressure remains a concern. Given the Seahawks’ ongoing struggles on the offensive line, relying on Darnold could prove problematic.
Financially, the trade provides the Seahawks with some relief, freeing up $31 million in salary for 2025 while incurring a $13.5 million dead cap hit. However, unless the Seahawks can create a supportive environment for Darnold or a Day 2 draft pick, their offense is likely to regress.
The decision to trade Smith also suggests that extension talks between the quarterback and the Seahawks had stalled. By moving on from Smith, the Seahawks are clearly signaling their willingness to embrace the unknown, even if it means taking a temporary step back.
The trade of Geno Smith to the Raiders is a high-stakes gamble for both teams. The Raiders are hoping that Smith can provide the stability and leadership they desperately need at the quarterback position, while the Seahawks are betting that a new offensive identity will ultimately lead to greater success. Only time will tell whether these bold moves will pay off. As the NFL offseason unfolds, this trade serves as a reminder that change is constant, and that sometimes, the biggest risks yield the greatest rewards.
