The Las Vegas Raiders have a new quarterback, at least for the 2025 season. After just missing out on Matthew Stafford, they have traded a 3rd round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for Geno Smith.
Geno Smith is being traded to Las Vegas Raiders for a third round pick, per sources. pic.twitter.com/vmdvtueBgE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2025
Raiders Trade For QB Geno Smith
Ever since Pete Carroll got to town, the talk of who would play quarterback for the Raiders has ramped up. Stafford was the golden goose, but after he ultimately decided to stay with the LA Rams, the Raiders had to pivot.
There was chatter about Sam Darnold, but he was quietly not seen as a true fit in Chip Kelly’s offensive system. Then there was the suggestion of the two Pittsburgh QBs in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Wilson and Carroll obviously have history, but the past trade seems to be water under the bridge, and the two of them had their best years together. Fields is still a bit of an unknown on what he could be in the NFL, but his career has not gotten off to a great start.
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Aaron Rodgers was another intriguing option. He is a free agent and potentially would have taken a very team-friendly deal.
At the end of the day, Carroll and company decided on the most recent familiarity. Smith reinvigorated his career when Carroll gave him the keys to the starting job in Seattle, and the two built a strong relationship.
- Geno Smith 2024 Stats: 4320 yards, 21 TDs, 15 INTs
Smith has only one year remaining on his current deal, and he and the Seahawks seemed to be at an impasse, making a trade likely. Carroll’s affinity for Smith and the Raiders’ desperate need for a competent QB made Las Vegas a very logical landing spot.
The Raiders will work to get an extension done, and regardless of how contract talks go, I would still expect them to be active in the NFL Draft for a quarterback, just not in the first round.