Since the Las Vegas Raiders parted ways with Derek Carr in 2023, the team has endured a couple seasons of inconsistent quarterback play.
With a new regime installed, the first matter of business was securing a viable answer at quarterback, even if just for the short term. General manager John Spytek found that answer in March, acquiring Geno Smith in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks and securing him with a two-year contract extension, with the guaranteed money giving the Raider a team option for 2027. Smith now reunites with head coach Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, meaning that the transition process between teams should be a lot smoother than usual.
If Smith’s own words are any indication, the Seahawks did right by him to put him in a familiar point.
Smith talked about how excited he was to get to work with his new team.
In a press conference after Thursday’s OTA session from the team’s YouTube channel, Smith gave his reasons for why the Raiders were his preferred destination.
“Everything about it,” Smith responded. “Coach Carroll, Las Vegas, the Raiders, the silver and black – this is a historic franchise. One of the most historic franchises in all of sports … to say I can wear this helmet and this logo is special to me.”
While the Seahawks did discuss a contract extension for Smith, the two sides were far apart financially and ultimately decided to change course.
The Seahawks ultimately signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal in free agency, giving the team a stable veteran presence there. Meanwhile, Smith and the Raiders have gotten to work to prepare for the season, and the team is liking what they have seen so far.
“Geno can be a blessing to coaches,” offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said during hs media availability. “He’s special. Everybody is a by-product of their environment. Not a lot of guys would have shown his resiliency or his perseverance. It’s hard to talk the talk when you haven’t walked the walk, and he has been in all those shoes.”
Smith’s journey has taken him all across the NFL in various positions, and he now lands with the Raiders as one of their key players for the 2025 season.
