In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks have traded their starting quarterback, Geno Smith, to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick in the upcoming draft. This trade reunites Smith with his former coach, Pete Carroll, as the Raiders look to solidify their quarterback situation.
Geno Smith, who has earned two Pro Bowl selections over the last three seasons, experienced a significant boost in performance under Carroll’s guidance. His quarterback rating surged by 13 points when playing for the Seahawks, and he threw more touchdowns in just 13 games than he did under all other coaches throughout his career combined. This trade signifies a major shift for both franchises as the Raiders aim to win now, while the Seahawks find themselves needing a new signal-caller.
According to NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders were not impressed with the available free-agent quarterback class and opted to pursue Smith, who they believe can help them achieve immediate success. With one year remaining on Smith’s current contract, preliminary talks with Seattle regarding a new deal did not progress as hoped, prompting his move to Las Vegas. The Raiders are expected to negotiate a long-term contract with Smith soon.
On the other hand, the Seahawks now face the challenge of finding a replacement quarterback. With their roster undergoing significant changes, including the potential trade of star receiver DK Metcalf, Seattle is exploring various options. Kirk Cousins, who has a connection with new offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak, emerges as a natural fit, though the Minnesota Vikings have made it clear they are not looking to trade him. Other candidates like Sam Darnold and possibly Daniel Jones are on the table as the Seahawks aim to reset their roster.
With Geno Smith’s departure marking a significant chapter in Seattle’s history, the team is now poised to make strategic decisions as they look to the future. The NFL landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and all eyes will remain on the Seahawks as they navigate this new phase.
