Breaking news: Raiders acquire Geno Smith in trade with Seahawks as QB reunites with Pete Carroll…
Las Vegas Raiders Acquire Geno Smith in Trade with Seahawks: A New Era Begins
Raiders Land Veteran QB Geno Smith
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move to bolster their quarterback position, acquiring veteran signal-caller Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. The trade reunites Smith with head coach Pete Carroll, who recently took over as the Raiders’ new head coach after parting ways with Seattle.
A Proven Leader Under Center
Smith, 34, experienced a career resurgence in Seattle after taking over for Russell Wilson in 2022. He won the AP Comeback Player of the Year award that season, proving himself as a capable starter. Over three years as the Seahawks’ primary quarterback, Smith threw for 12,961 yards, 76 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions across 54 games.
Despite his solid play, Seattle opted to move on from Smith, signaling a transition phase for the franchise. With Carroll now leading the Raiders, the fit was natural, as the veteran coach has always been a strong supporter of Smith’s abilities.
What This Means for the Raiders
The Raiders’ quarterback situation was uncertain heading into the offseason after struggles from both Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder last year. The acquisition of Smith provides much-needed stability at the position. Reports suggest that the Raiders are expected to offer Smith a new contract in the range of $40-45 million per year, cementing their commitment to him as the starter.
Las Vegas is coming off a disappointing 4-13 season and is looking to rebuild quickly under Carroll’s leadership. Smith’s familiarity with Carroll’s coaching style and offensive philosophy should help speed up the transition process.
Seahawks Enter Rebuilding Mode
Seattle, meanwhile, is undergoing major changes. With Smith gone, the Seahawks are reportedly considering signing free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold or targeting a rookie in the upcoming NFL Draft. In addition to moving on from Smith, Seattle has also released veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, and star receiver DK Metcalf has requested a trade, signaling a full-scale reset for the franchise.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
With Smith at the helm, the Raiders now have a reliable veteran presence to lead their offense. The team is expected to focus on upgrading their offensive line and receiving corps to maximize Smith’s effectiveness. The move also reflects Carroll’s vision of building a competitive team quickly rather than entering a long-term rebuild.
Only time will tell if Smith can elevate the Raiders to playoff contention, but his arrival in Las Vegas marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the franchise.
