The Las Vegas Raiders made a significant move recently by trading for veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. This decision comes as the Raiders look to solidify their roster for the upcoming season. Sources indicate that the Raiders will send a third-round pick to Seattle in exchange for Smith.
At 34 years old, Smith brings a wealth of experience and skill, having previously earned two Pro Bowl selections. He will be reuniting with head coach Pete Carroll, who helped revive his career in Seattle. With Smith expected to step in as the starting quarterback, the Raiders are evaluating their options in the upcoming draft, where they hold the sixth overall pick. While they may want to secure a promising rookie quarterback, the team might find it challenging to land top prospects like Cam Ward from Miami or Shedeur Sanders from Colorado.
The possibility remains that the Raiders could draft a quarterback later in the draft or stick with their current options, which include Smith and Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell has had the opportunity to start but has not yet demonstrated the ability to lead the team to success in a competitive AFC West division. Last season, the Raiders struggled with a disappointing 4-13 record, resulting in the dismissal of head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco.
Carroll hopes to replicate the success they found together in Seattle, where Smith transformed from a struggling player into a leader. In 2022, Geno led the league in completion percentage and threw for over 4,200 yards, earning him the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award, while the Seahawks maintained winning records during his tenure.
The trade for Smith is part of a broader transformation within the Raiders organization, marked by recent signings, including a significant contract extension for defensive end Maxx Crosby. With Crosby now tied to the team for three more years at $106.5 million, the Raiders are making it clear that they are committed to building a stronger roster under new leadership.
As the Raiders gear up for next season, it remains to be seen if they can contend for a playoff berth while facing off against elite quarterbacks in their division. Additionally, acquiring Smith shifts the landscape of potential quarterback options, including other veterans like Aaron Rodgers, who is currently exploring new opportunities after being released by the New York Jets.
