The Seattle Seahawks Trade Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders: A New Chapter Unfolds
The NFL world was abuzz as the Seattle Seahawks finalized a trade that sent two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. This move marks the end of Smith’s five-year tenure in Seattle, where he rose from a backup role to become a key figure in the team’s offense. The trade not only signals a new direction for both franchises but also highlights the evolving landscape of quarterback dynamics in the league. With Smith now set to lead the Raiders, fans are eager to see how this transition will unfold for both teams.
Geno Smith’s Journey in Seattle: From Backup to Pro Bowl Stardom
Geno Smith’s time in Seattle was nothing short of remarkable. After serving as a backup for several years, Smith’s career took a dramatic turn when the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Stepping into the starting role, Smith silenced doubters by leading the league in completion percentage (69.8%) during the 2022 season. He also finished fourth in touchdown passes (30) and fifth in quarterback rating (100.9), guiding the Seahawks to a wild-card playoff berth. While his accuracy dipped slightly in 2023, Smith bounced back in 2024, achieving a career-high completion percentage of 70.4% and throwing for a personal-best 4,320 yards. Despite these accomplishments, Seattle missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, leading to a crossroads in Smith’s tenure with the team.
Contract Negotiations and the Path to the Trade
As the 2024 season concluded, Geno Smith entered the final year of his three-year, $75 million contract. The Seahawks and Smith’s camp engaged in intense negotiations, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement. Seattle reportedly sought significant draft capital in any potential trade, and the Raiders’ offer of a 2025 third-round pick met their expectations. After realizing a deal was unlikely, Smith officially requested a trade, and the Raiders emerged as the ideal destination. The trade not only resolves Seattle’s quarterback situation but also gives the Raiders a chance to solidify their offense with a proven leader.
Pete Carroll’s Influence: Can the Raiders’ New Coach Turn Things Around?
The Raiders’ decision to acquire Geno Smith was heavily influenced by their newly hired head coach, Pete Carroll. Carroll, who spent 14 seasons as the Seahawks’ head coach before stepping down after the 2023 season, has long been an admirer of Smith’s abilities. In 2022, Carroll elevated Smith to the starting role after Russell Wilson’s departure, a move that proved instrumental in Smith’s career resurgence. Now, Carroll aims to replicate that success in Las Vegas. At 73 years old, Carroll brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree, including a Super Bowl XLVIII victory with the Seahawks. His approval of the trade was a crucial factor, as was his ability to convince Raiders’ minority owner Tom Brady to support the move.
What’s Next for the Raiders and Seahawks?
With Geno Smith joining the Raiders, the team is expected to part ways with Gardner Minshew, who started nine games last season. Aidan O’Connell, who started five of the final six games in 2023, will likely slide into a backup role. Meanwhile, in Seattle, the Seahawks are facing a rebuild of sorts. In addition to trading Smith, the team has parted ways with key offensive pieces like receiver Tyler Lockett, while star receiver D.K. Metcalf has requested a trade. Seattle will now turn to the free-agent market and the upcoming NFL Draft to address these losses and rebuild their roster.
The Legacy and Future of Geno Smith
As Geno Smith begins his new chapter in Las Vegas, the football world is eager to see if he can replicate his Seattle success. The Raiders have expressed their confidence in Smith as their “QB of the future,” and contract negotiations that stalled in Seattle are expected to resume in Las Vegas. At 34 years old, Smith is entering a critical phase of his career. While some may question his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback, his resilience and ability to perform under pressure have earned him widespread respect. With Pete Carroll at the helm, Smith has the opportunity to prove once again that he is more than capable of leading a team to victory. For now, both the Raiders and Seahawks will wait with bated breath to see how this trade shapes their respective futures.
