Las Vegas Raiders Solve QB Dilemma: What Geno Smith Trade Means for the Franchise’s Future
Heading into the 2025 NFL offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders were in a familiar predicament: needing a long-term answer at quarterback.
After moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo and finishing the 2024 season with Aidan O’Connell and Brian Hoyer, many expected the Raiders to draft a quarterback with their No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
However, Las Vegas made a surprise move before free agency even started, trading for Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.
- What does this move mean for the Raiders?
- Does this take them out of the quarterback market in the NFL Draft?
- What are Geno Smith’s expectations heading into 2025?
Let’s break it all down.
Why the Raiders Needed a Quarterback Upgrade
2024 Quarterback Struggles
The Raiders’ quarterback play in 2024 was inconsistent at best.
| Quarterback | Games Played | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aidan O’Connell | 12 | 2,870 | 13 | 12 | 62.8% |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | 7 | 1,205 | 7 | 9 | 64.1% |
| Brian Hoyer | 2 | 129 | 0 | 2 | 57.8% |
The combination of Garoppolo, O’Connell, and Hoyer didn’t provide stability, with turnovers and inefficiency plaguing the offense.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce Wanted a Proven Leader
After taking over midseason, Antonio Pierce emphasized toughness, leadership, and winning culture. While Aidan O’Connell showed promise, the Raiders needed a more established presence under center.
Raiders’ Pre-Offseason QB Targets
Before acquiring Geno Smith, the Raiders were linked to several QB options:
- Justin Fields (traded to the Jets)
- Kirk Cousins (signed with the Falcons)
- Russell Wilson (signed with the Steelers)
- NFL Draft Prospects: Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, Drake Maye
By trading for Geno Smith, Las Vegas avoided overpaying in free agency and didn’t have to trade up in the draft.
Breaking Down the Geno Smith Trade
Trade Details
- Raiders Receive: QB Geno Smith
- Seahawks Receive: 2025 third-round pick
Seattle’s Perspective:
- The Seahawks wanted to move on from Geno and go younger.
- They are rumored to draft a QB (possibly Michael Penix Jr. or J.J. McCarthy).
- The Raiders only had to give up a third-rounder, making it a team-friendly deal.
Geno Smith’s Career Resurgence
Geno Smith’s career looked over until he took over as Seattle’s starter in 2022.
| Season | Team | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Completion % | QBR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Seahawks | 4,282 | 30 | 11 | 69.8% | 60.8 |
| 2023 | Seahawks | 3,624 | 20 | 9 | 64.7% | 54.9 |
What Geno Brings to the Raiders
- Experience – A Pro Bowl QB who has won in the NFL.
- Leadership – A veteran presence to lead the Raiders offense.
- Accuracy – One of the most efficient passers in the league.
- Mentorship – Can help Aidan O’Connell develop for the future.
Does This Take the Raiders Out of the Quarterback Market in the Draft?
Bomani Jones’ Take on the Raiders’ Draft Plans
Sports analyst Bomani Jones recently spoke about the Raiders’ decision to trade for Smith.
“I think it looks clear to me that is not what they want to do (draft Sanders). Pete Carroll did what old people often do—bring in someone from their old job—and in this case, that was Geno Smith, who might be the most accurate QB in the NFL right now.”
NFL Draft Implications
- The Raiders own the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Before trading for Smith, Las Vegas was linked to Shedeur Sanders and other top QBs.
- With Smith now in place, they could pivot to addressing other needs, such as:
- Offensive line (Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu)
- Defensive playmakers (Jared Verse, Dallas Turner)
- Trade-down possibilities
Could the Raiders Still Draft a QB?
There’s still a possibility Las Vegas drafts a quarterback, but it seems unlikely with Smith under contract for two years.
Instead, they might:
- Draft a QB in later rounds (e.g., J.J. McCarthy or Michael Pratt).
- Use O’Connell as a backup option and develop him behind Smith.
How Geno Smith Fits in the Raiders’ Offense
Weapons Around Geno
The Raiders’ offense has explosive playmakers:
- WR1: Davante Adams (1,144 yards, 8 TDs in 2024)
- WR2: Jakobi Meyers (807 yards, 6 TDs)
- TE: Michael Mayer (Rising young talent)
- RB: Zamir White (Taking over after Josh Jacobs’ departure)
Smith will benefit from a strong receiving core, but offensive line upgrades are needed to protect him.
Offensive Scheme Fit
New offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will run a West Coast-style offense, which suits Geno Smith’s strengths:
✔ Quick, accurate passing
✔ Play-action efficiency
✔ Ball security and decision-making
Expect Smith to target Adams and Meyers often, utilizing short-to-mid-range passing while taking occasional deep shots.
Expectations for the Raiders in 2025
Projected 2025 Record with Geno Smith
- Best-case scenario: 10-7, playoff contender
- Worst-case scenario: 6-11, struggles with offensive line issues
- Most likely: 8-9 or 9-8, competing for a Wild Card spot
Key Challenges
- Offensive Line Protection – Raiders must improve blocking to give Smith time.
- Defensive Struggles – They need to bolster their secondary to compete in the AFC West.
- Geno’s Consistency – If he plays like 2022, Raiders can make the playoffs. If he regresses, they may struggle.
Final Verdict: A Smart Move for Las Vegas?
✅ Raiders get a proven QB without giving up a high draft pick.
✅ Geno Smith brings leadership, accuracy, and veteran experience.
✅ Allows Las Vegas to focus on drafting other key positions.
❌ Not a long-term solution at QB—Raiders may still need to draft a successor in 1-2 years.
The Geno Smith trade is a low-risk, high-reward move for Las Vegas. While not a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Smith gives Antonio Pierce a reliable starter as the Raiders build for the future.
What’s next?
- Will Geno Smith lead the Raiders to the playoffs?
- Do they still draft a QB in the later rounds?
- Can Antonio Pierce’s vision bring long-term success?
For now, Las Vegas has its quarterback for 2025—and Raiders fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
