Raiders Acquire Geno Smith in Trade
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move at quarterback, acquiring Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (92nd overall), sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler. The trade reunites Smith with head coach Pete Carroll and marks the end of his six-year tenure in Seattle, where he revitalized his career and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
Smith, 34, has one year remaining on his contract, valued at $31 million, which the Raiders have agreed to take on in full. The trade frees up $31 million in cap space for Seattle while leaving the team with $13.5 million in dead money.
Seattle Recap
In the 2024 season, Smith completed 70.4% of his passes for 4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Despite his solid production, the Seahawks finished with a 10-7 record and missed the playoffs under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. Smith’s contributions were crucial, particularly given an inconsistent offensive line and a struggling run game. He led the league in game-winning drives over the past two seasons (nine), tying Patrick Mahomes in that span.
However, Smith’s 15 interceptions were the third-most in the NFL, including four in the red zone—the highest in the league. His 21 touchdowns ranked tied for 13th, while his QBR of 53.8 was 21st, his lowest in three years as Seattle’s starter. He was also sacked 50 times, the third-highest total among quarterbacks.
The team opted to move forward without him despite Macdonald publicly supporting Smith as the Seahawks’ starter. Seattle had been working on a potential contract extension but failed to reach an agreement. Rather than letting the situation linger, they chose to accept the Raiders’ offer. Seattle now turns its focus to its quarterback room, which currently features Sam Howell and Jaren Hall. The team is expected to pursue a veteran signal-caller in free agency.
Flat out: this is a terrible move by Seattle. Chances of upgrading are extremely low. https://t.co/0I5mI8jZMP
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 8, 2025
Raiders’ Quarterback Outlook
For Las Vegas, acquiring Smith marks another attempt to solidify the quarterback position after a tumultuous 2024 season. Last year, the team cycled through Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder, finishing with a disappointing 4-13 record. Minshew is expected to be released at the start of the new league year.
General manager John Spytek acknowledged the need for stability at quarterback, stating at the NFL Combine, “We’ve got to win more games.” While O’Connell and Carter Bradley remain on the roster, Smith is expected to take over as the team’s starter.
Building Around Smith
The Raiders will need to bolster their offensive unit to maximize Smith’s impact. Tight end Brock Bowers led all rookies at his position with 1,194 receiving yards, while wide receiver Jakobi Meyers secured his first 1,000-yard season after three consecutive years surpassing 800 yards. However, more offensive reinforcements may be necessary.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks continue to reshape their roster. Just days before trading Smith, Pro Bowl receiver DK Metcalf requested a trade, and veteran wideout Tyler Lockett was released along with four other players. Las Vegas has reportedly been among the teams in discussions for Metcalf.
Carroll’s ‘Win Now’ Mentality
Pete Carroll, who took over as the Raiders’ head coach in February, has emphasized a desire to compete immediately. “We are trying to take it as far as we can as soon as we possibly can,” Carroll said at the Combine. “I’m not looking for a grace period. I don’t think that way at all.” Carroll’s admiration for Smith has been well documented, previously calling him “one of my all-time favorite guys.” Now reunited in Las Vegas, Smith will have the opportunity to help Carroll turn the Raiders into a competitive force once again.
The trade will become official when the new league year begins on Wednesday.
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