The Seattle Seahawks made one of the more unexpected moves of the offseason, trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick. After finishing 10-7 and missing the playoffs on a tiebreaker, the move feels like an overreaction — especially with Tyler Lockett already gone and the possibility of DK Metcalf following suit.
For Smith, though, this presents a fresh start with a new team after a career resurgence in Seattle. And understandably, the newest Raider is thrilled about the opportunity. Taking to X, he shared a message of excitement about his next chapter in Las Vegas.
Geno Smith Optimistic About New Raiders Gig
With one year and $31 million left on his contract, the Raiders are taking on the full sum. In return, they’re giving up just a third-round pick and acquiring a quarterback who made two Pro Bowls during his six-year stint in Seattle. For Smith, it’s a chance to lead a franchise that has struggled for consistency in recent years.
He couldn’t be happier about the move. On X, Smith wrote:
“God is the greatest. Excited to get to work and WIN. The time is now.”
God is the GREATEST!!
Excited to get to work and WIN.
The time is NOW
— Geno (@GenoSmith3) March 8, 2025
In Las Vegas, Smith enters a team under a new regime, with Tom Brady as part-owner and a familiar name calling the shots.
His arrival also reunites him with Pete Carroll, who played a pivotal role in shaping Smith’s career during his time in Seattle. Carroll, now an executive with the Raiders, will once again be involved in Smith’s development.
In 2022, his first season as a starter under Carroll, Smith posted a career-year, breathing new life into his seemingly deflated career aspirations. The former West Virginia Mountaineer finished with 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, against just 11 interceptions, as the Seahawks finished 9-8.
Perhaps most impressively Smith led the league in completion rate at 69.8%. His performance secured Smith a spot in the Pro Bowl along with the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Smith hasn’t quite maintained this level of play, but has been a reliable signal-caller, leading Seattle to an 18-14 record as a starter over the last two seasons.
For the Raiders, the move offers a chance to build a playoff contender quickly. With Maxx Crosby leading the defense and the No. 6 overall pick still in their war chest, Las Vegas is in position to make a major leap in 2025.
Where Does Seattle Go From Here?
Last season, Smith ranked fourth in the NFL in passing yards with 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns. His efficiency was just as impressive, finishing with a 70.4% completion rate.
For Seattle, the decision to trade him feels abrupt, especially given their recent success. Despite his flaws, Smith finished as a top-15 quarterback in PFSN’s QB+ metric.
After finishing the 2024 season 10-7 in the ultra-competitive NFC West division, many Seahawks fans were left wondering why Seattle would part ways with Smith, despite lacking a clear path forward at the position.
With Lockett already gone and Metcalf potentially on the move, the Seahawks are undergoing major changes.
Keeping a proven quarterback under contract could have made that transition smoother.