Veteran quarterback Geno Smith is heading to the Las Vegas Raiders in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. What does this move mean for both teams and Smithu2019s career?
Geno Smith Joins the Las Vegas Raiders in Major Trade
The NFL offseason is always full of surprises, and this year is no different. In a stunning move, the Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. Smith, who revived his career in Seattle over the past two seasons, will now take on a new challenge in the AFC West. This trade not only reshapes the Raiders' quarterback situation but also leaves the Seahawks searching for their next leader under center.
Geno Smith’s Journey: From Backup to Pro Bowl Starter
Geno Smith’s career has been a rollercoaster. After being drafted by the New York Jets in 2013, he struggled to establish himself as a reliable starting quarterback. Following stints as a backup with the Giants and Chargers, Smith found a home in Seattle, backing up Russell Wilson for several years.
When Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022, Smith finally got his chance to start. He exceeded all expectations, earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022 and leading the Seahawks to a playoff berth. Over two seasons as Seattle’s starter, Smith threw for over 7,500 yards and 48 touchdowns, proving he could be a franchise quarterback.
Why the Raiders Made the Move
The Raiders have been searching for stability at the quarterback position since moving on from Derek Carr. Last season, they rotated between Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Aidan O’Connell, neither of whom provided long-term answers. By acquiring Smith, the Raiders gain an experienced and productive signal-caller who can help the team compete in a highly competitive AFC West.
Head coach Antonio Pierce has emphasized building a tough, disciplined team, and Smith’s leadership and experience fit that vision. While not an elite quarterback, Smith has shown he can manage an offense effectively, limit turnovers, and make key plays when needed.
What’s Next for the Seahawks?
For Seattle, moving on from Smith signals a shift in direction. The Seahawks could be targeting a younger quarterback in the NFL Draft, with several top prospects available. They may also explore other options in free agency or via trade.
Seattle’s offense, led by playmakers like DK Metcalf and Kenneth Walker III, will need a new leader under center. Whether they draft a quarterback or acquire a veteran bridge player, this move suggests head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider are looking to reset at the most important position.
Impact on the 2025 NFL Season
With Smith now in Las Vegas, the Raiders have upgraded their quarterback situation, at least in the short term. The AFC West remains a challenging division, with Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs and Justin Herbert guiding the Chargers. The Raiders hope that with Smith at the helm, they can be competitive and push for a playoff spot.
For Seattle, this trade marks the beginning of a new era. If they can find the right quarterback, they still have a talented roster capable of making noise in the NFC. The coming weeks in free agency and the draft will determine their next steps.
Conclusion
Geno Smith’s move to the Raiders is one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason. While Seattle looks to rebuild at quarterback, Las Vegas is banking on Smith’s experience to stabilize their offense. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this trade impacts both teams in their pursuit of success.