The Las Vegas Raiders made sure to enter the 2025 season with a strong starting quarterback as they traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Geno Smith.
The Raiders took advantage of the Seahawks’ fire sale and landed Smith, who has become underrated around the NFL after a subpar 2024 campaign. Smith was great when given time in the pocket, but Seattle’s poor offensive line play forced him into bad throws and turnovers.
Fortunately, Smith reunited with head coach Pete Carroll and should enjoy an upgraded offensive line anchored by left tackle Kolton Miller. With the infrastructure of a good offense in place, the Raiders are positioned to be much more competitive in 2025.
Although Smith is still acclimating to his new team and city, he’s taken it upon himself to try to establish a winning culture within the organization via Michael Canelo of Sports Illustrated:
“The Raider way, just win baby,” said Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. “Coach Carroll has been winning 9-10 games a year for I do not know how long for the last 20 years, no matter where he has been at. I am not saying this because it matters, but I have won about 9-10 games for the last three years.”
“So we know how to win and we know how to win together. And I think there is something to that. I know what he expects of me. I know what he wants me to do in terms of how to play the position. And I know he is going to do all the things to put me in a position to succeed.”
Smith and Carroll have built a great deal of trust and rapport after their time together in Seattle, so it makes sense that Smith is so confident in Carroll’s ability to lead him and the rest of the roster. Smith is a great pocket passer who can make plays in the face of pressure; therefore, this level of playmaking should boost the offense to considerable heights.
It’s still early, but there’s legitimate upside and optimism for Las Vegas’ offense, and it’ll be exciting to see just how far Smith can take the Silver and Black.
Raiders reportedly frontrunners to trade for Trey Hendrickson
After releasing Christian Wilkins earlier this offseason, the Raiders could use another playmaker up front for the defense. With that in mind, they are reportedly the favorites to trade for Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson.
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