Raiders Newly Acquired QB Geno Smith States The One Reason He Joined the Raiders

In a significant offseason move, the Las Vegas Raiders have acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This trade reunites Smith with head coach Pete Carroll, under whom he thrived during his tenure in Seattle.

Smith, 34, experienced a career resurgence with the Seahawks, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023. In the 2024 season, he threw for 4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, completing 70.4% of his passes. Despite his success, contract extension negotiations with Seattle stalled, leading to the trade.

The Raiders, coming off a disappointing 4-13 season, sought stability at the quarterback position. Smith’s familiarity with Carroll’s system is expected to facilitate a smoother transition and bolster the team’s offensive performance. In his introductory press conference, Smith made his intentions clear: “I’m here to win. That’s the only thing on my mind. This is a fresh start, and I’m ready to lead this team to success.”

Expressing gratitude to Seattle, Smith shared an emotional message on social media, thanking the organization and fans for six memorable years. However, his focus now shifts to Las Vegas, where discussions about a contract extension loom. Reports suggest he is seeking a deal in the range of $45 million per year.

This acquisition not only addresses the Raiders’ immediate quarterback needs but also intensifies the AFC West rivalry, particularly against the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes. With Smith under center, the Raiders aim to turn the page on last season’s struggles and compete at a higher level in 2025.