The Las Vegas Raiders will enter the 2025 season with Geno Smith under center, a massive upgrade at the quarterback position.
The Raiders were plagued by poor quarterback play throughout the 2024 campaign, so trading a 2025 third-round pick for Smith was a no-brainer for the organization. Not only does Las Vegas have a quality starting quarterback in Smith, but they also reunite him with head coach Pete Carroll, so there’s optimism that the two can hit the ground running.
Smith’s final season with the Seattle Seahawks went under the radar as he constantly found himself under duress behind their porous offensive line. Smith was able to cover up their shoddy protection up front with timely throws under pressure, but should find himself a little more comfortable in the pocket with Las Vegas.
Entering the 2025 season, PFF ranked all 32 projected starting quarterbacks, and Smith was ranked as the 10th-best overall via John Kosko of PFF:
“Few would have pegged Smith to grade as the sixth-best passer in the NFL over the past two seasons, but here we are,” Kosko wrote. “In fact, his 85.8 passing grade in that span is just 0.2 points shy of Patrick Mahomes. After being traded for a third-round pick this offseason, Smith should enjoy an improved offensive line but a downgrade in receiving weapons. He protects the football and has a knack for generating big-time throws.”
As Kasko notes, Smith should have more time to throw behind the Raiders’ offensive line, though the pass-catching options outside of Brock Bowers leave much to be desired. Las Vegas seems poised to run a lot of 12 personnel to maximize their offensive groupings, so Smith should find himself throwing to the likes of Michael Mayer and Bowers often.
While Smith represents a meaningful upgrade at the position, the Raiders will still find themselves in an uphill climb to get to the postseason, given the strength of the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs are still favored to win the division, though the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos shouldn’t be slept on either.
Las Vegas is positioned to win more games, but it remains to be seen if Smith can get them over the hump.
Pete Carroll opens up about relationship with Geno Smith
Geno Smith’s career was revitalized under Pete Carroll during their time together with the Seattle Seahawks, and they remained close afterward. Since reuniting with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carroll opened up about his relationship with Smith.
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