The Raiders acquired QB Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick.
Smith currently has one year and $31 million remaining on the contract he signed with Seattle in March 2023.
Raiders GM John Spytek stated he is confident a new deal for Smith will get done "fairly soon," echoed by HC Pete Carroll who confirmed "We're working on it."
Before the trade, the Seahawks reportedly attempted to extend Smith with a two-year offer that would have paid him $40 million in 2025, but couldn't reach an agreement.
Why this matters: This move aims to solidify the Raiders' quarterback position with a proven, Pro Bowl-caliber player, reducing uncertainty after the team started six different QBs following Derek Carr's departure. It provides leadership and potentially eases pressure on the team's draft strategy.
Expert Opinion/Context: HC Pete Carroll's extensive history with Smith in Seattle was crucial. Carroll highlighted Smith's work ethic, leadership, talent, and believes the 34-year-old (turning 35 in October) has significant playing years left due to less "wear and tear" during his time as a backup.
Background Context:
The Raiders entered the offseason seeking a definitive answer at quarterback. After moving on from Derek Carr following the 2022 season and parting ways with Gardner Minshew this offseason, the QB room consisted of Aidan O'Connell and Carter Bradley. GM John Spytek and HC Pete Carroll emphasized exploring all options.
The Trade and Extension Talks:
Seeing an opportunity, the Raiders sent a 2025 third-round pick to Seattle for Geno Smith. This move came after Seattle and Smith couldn't agree on an extension, with reports suggesting Seattle offered a deal worth $40 million in 2025. Now in Las Vegas, Smith has one year left on his deal, but Raiders leadership is actively working to secure him long-term, viewing him as more than just a one-year rental.
The Carroll-Smith Connection:
Head Coach Pete Carroll's familiarity with Smith from their six years together in Seattle played a pivotal role. Carroll praised Smith's journey, resilience, and performance, particularly his 2022 season (4,282 yards, 30 TDs, league-leading 69.8% completion). Carroll noted, "Getting Geno was a really important part of this puzzle... I know what we can count on."
Contract & Draft Implications:
While details aren't public, an extension would likely provide Smith security beyond 2025 and give the Raiders more cap flexibility. Spytek mentioned the trade happened quickly due to Carroll's insight and called acquiring Smith an "immediate fix." While confident in Smith, Spytek and Carroll haven't ruled out drafting a quarterback, stating they will evaluate the class thoroughly. However, Spytek admitted, "the need and anxiety at that position is not as high as it was a month ago."
** Why did the Raiders trade for Geno Smith?
A:: The Raiders traded for Smith to acquire an experienced starting quarterback familiar to Head Coach Pete Carroll. The move aims to bring stability, leadership, and proven performance to a critical position.
** Is Geno Smith's contract extension finalized?
A:: Not yet, but both Raiders GM John Spytek and HC Pete Carroll have publicly expressed strong confidence that a deal will be completed "fairly soon."
** Will the Raiders still draft a quarterback this year?
A:: It remains a possibility. While acquiring Smith reduces the immediate pressure, team officials have stated they will continue to evaluate the quarterback prospects in the draft and explore all options to improve the team.
The Raiders are actively addressing their QB instability by bringing in Geno Smith and prioritizing his extension.
This signals a potential shift towards a more stable offense and reflects the new leadership's 'intelligently aggressive' approach under Spytek and Carroll.
Expect Smith to be the likely starter for 2025, but monitor ongoing contract negotiations and how the Raiders approach the QB position in the upcoming draft.
What are your thoughts on the Geno Smith trade and potential extension? Do you think he's the long-term answer for the Raiders? Let us know!
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