The Las Vegas Raiders have officially acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Smith, who is 34 years old, enters the final year of his contract and brings with him a seasoned track record that surpasses the likes of Sam Darnold and recent performances by Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The trade raises eyebrows, as it comes at a time when the Seahawks did not seem poised for a rebuild. The Raiders, meanwhile, face uncertainty in the competitive AFC West despite Smith's proven abilities.
Geno Smith's career has shown commendable consistency, ranking seventh, 14th, and 21st in QBR over the past three seasons. His exceptional completion percentage over expectation has placed him in the top six over the same period. Despite his value at $31 million this year, the trade places the Raiders in a challenging position. With a strong left tackle in Charles Cross but other offensive line issues looming large, the team remains at risk of being mired in mediocrity.
Smith's transition to the Raiders pairs him with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, fresh off a national championship win with Ohio State. This collaboration is expected to inject new dynamics into the Raiders' offense. However, given the stiff competition within the AFC West, the path forward remains fraught with challenges for the Raiders. The team's grade for this trade has been assessed as a B*, reflecting both optimism and caution.
For the Seahawks, letting go of a reliable starter like Smith is a surprising move. They now face an urgent need to find a new quarterback, having only Sam Howell on their roster as they search for a viable starter. Analysts suggest that Seattle might have benefited from transitioning to a new quarterback in 2026 while potentially obtaining a compensatory pick for Smith. Yet, the decision to part ways now underscores a significant shift in their strategy.
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