The Las Vegas Raiders made a significant move to address their most pressing personnel issue of the offseason by acquiring veteran quarterback Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. According to a source with direct knowledge of the deal, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, the Raiders will send a third-round pick to the Seahawks in exchange for the 34-year-old quarterback.

Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, will reunite with his former coach Pete Carroll, who took over as the Raiders’ head coach earlier this year. Carroll previously worked with Smith in Seattle, where the quarterback revitalized his career after struggling to secure a starting role in the NFL for several years. Now, the duo will attempt to bring success to a Raiders team that has faced challenges in one of the toughest divisions in football.

Raiders’ Quarterback Situation

With Smith now in Las Vegas, he becomes the clear favorite to start in Week 1. Despite his experience and past success, the Raiders could still look to add a young quarterback in next month’s NFL Draft. Holding the sixth overall pick, Las Vegas may not be in a position to select top quarterback prospect Cam Ward from Miami, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders might also be off the board by the time they pick. However, if Sanders is available, the Raiders could draft him and implement a strategy similar to what the Atlanta Falcons did last year. The Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins but still used the eighth overall pick on Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.

Another option for the Raiders is selecting a quarterback in the later rounds, such as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. Alternatively, they could forgo drafting a quarterback altogether and rely on Smith and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell ended each of the past two seasons as the Raiders’ starter but struggled to prove he could lead the team to contention in the AFC West. With the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos all showing playoff potential last season, Las Vegas faces a difficult road ahead.

Smith’s Career Revival

Geno Smith’s path to becoming a starting quarterback again has been unconventional. After being drafted by the New York Jets in 2013, he initially started for the team but lost his job after two seasons. He then spent one season each with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers, primarily serving as a backup.

His career took a turn in 2019 when he joined the Seattle Seahawks. Though he initially sat behind Russell Wilson, Smith was given the starting role in 2022 after Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. Under Pete Carroll’s guidance, Smith thrived, leading the NFL with a 69.8% completion rate while throwing for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His performance earned him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, as well as a new contract to remain in Seattle.

Over the past three seasons, Smith helped the Seahawks remain competitive, posting winning records each year. His experience and success in Seattle suggest he could bring much-needed stability to the Raiders, who have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback since the departure of Derek Carr.

A New Era in Las Vegas

The trade for Smith is one of several key moves the Raiders have made this offseason as they attempt to build a competitive roster. Earlier this week, the team made headlines by signing star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the richest contract ever given to a non-quarterback in NFL history. Crosby received a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, with $91.5 million guaranteed, ensuring he remains in Las Vegas through the 2029 season.

These aggressive roster moves signal a shift in direction under the Raiders’ new leadership. The team is now led by head coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady. Their collective vision appears to be focused on building a winning team through a combination of veteran leadership and strategic roster additions.

Smith’s Role in the AFC West

While Smith brings experience and leadership to the Raiders, the challenge ahead is significant. The AFC West remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. Kansas City is led by two-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, the Chargers have Justin Herbert at quarterback, and the Denver Broncos will be breaking in rookie Bo Nix as their new starter. To compete in this environment, Smith will need to perform at a high level while also serving as a mentor to any young quarterback the Raiders might draft.

The Aaron Rodgers Factor

One unintended consequence of Smith’s trade to Las Vegas is that it removes a potential landing spot for Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP is currently seeking a new team after the New York Jets announced they would be releasing him. Some speculated that Rodgers could be a target for the Raiders, given their need for an experienced quarterback. However, with Smith now on board, Las Vegas appears to have made its decision.

What’s Next for the Raiders?

With their quarterback situation seemingly settled for the short term, the Raiders can now focus on other areas of need in the draft and free agency. Their offensive line requires improvement, and they may look to add more playmakers on offense to complement star wide receiver Davante Adams. Defensively, the team has already invested heavily in Crosby but could look to add more talent in the secondary and linebacker positions.

Despite these moves, the biggest question remains: Can the Raiders return to playoff contention? The franchise has struggled in recent years, finishing last season with a 4-13 record. That performance led to the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco. Now, with a new leadership group and a new quarterback, the team is hoping for a fresh start.

The Importance of Smith’s Performance

For Smith, this trade represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While he has proven he can be a capable starting quarterback, the expectations in Las Vegas will be high. The Raiders’ fanbase has been eager for a return to the playoffs, and Smith will be expected to deliver results quickly. If he can replicate the success he had in Seattle, the Raiders could emerge as a surprise contender in the AFC.

However, if Smith struggles, the team may find itself in a familiar position—searching for a new quarterback yet again. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining whether Smith is the long-term solution for Las Vegas or simply a bridge to the next franchise quarterback.

Conclusion

The trade for Geno Smith marks a new chapter for the Las Vegas Raiders. By bringing in a proven veteran quarterback, the team has taken a step toward stability at the most important position on the field. Reuniting Smith with Pete Carroll could prove to be a smart move, given their past success together in Seattle. However, with tough competition in the AFC West and lingering questions about the team’s overall roster strength, the Raiders still have a long road ahead.

Whether this move translates into immediate success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The Raiders are making bold moves to reshape their future. With Smith under center, a revamped coaching staff, and significant investments in key players, Las Vegas is aiming to re-establish itself as a contender in the NFL.