Geno Smith feels all “stars are aligning” with Raiders after gutsy Seahawks move

In the offeseason, the Las Vegas Raiders traded in Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahwaks and later extended his deal to three years.

Geno Smith feels all “stars are aligning” with Raiders after gutsy Seahawks move

Geno Smith (Image via CBS Sports)

Geno Smith is preparing for a new chapter in Las Vegas, one that was shaped by a critical conversation last summer with Seahawks general manager John Schneider. After three seasons as Seattle’s starting quarterback, Smith sensed a shift was coming.

With a new head coach in Mike Macdonald and a young core developing, the Seahawks’ direction became clear. The franchise was beginning to look toward the future—one that didn’t necessarily include Smith long-term. It wasn’t a negative conversation, but it left a lasting impression.

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After a workout in Miami, Geno Smith stepped out to answer some questions and speak about his latest developments with the Seattle Seahawks.

“Just based on that conversation, I kind of knew the direction the team was going,” Smith said referencing the talk he had with John Schneider last summer.

Despite the uncertainty, Smith delivered on the field in 2024. He threw for 4,320 yards with 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, guiding Seattle to a winning record for the third straight year. He adjusted well to a new offensive system and proved he could still lead at a high level. However, they missed out on the playoffs after the Los Angeles Rams staged a comeback to win the NFC West title.

After the season, the Seahawks made an effort to bring Smith back with a new contract. But the offer included limited guarantees and escape clauses that didn’t sit well with the quarterback. The average salary was also below his expectations.

Smith and his camp chose not to counter. The structure of the deal reflected the same hesitation he had felt months earlier. “The proposal gave the team escape hatches,” a source close to the situation noted. Smith realized he had options, too.

Geno Smith officially introduced as a Raider on Monday

On Monday, Geno Smith was officially introduced as the new quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders. The press conference took place at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson. Geno Smith was joined by head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.

Geno Smith
Geno Smith (Image via New York Post)

We’re here to win, we’re here to do this thing the right way. I want to lead the right way, I want to be a big part of the culture here.

Geno Smith said

In the introductory speech, Smith also highlighted Carroll’s influence on his career. The two spent four seasons together in Seattle, including Smith’s breakout year in 2022, when he passed for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns. That season earned him Comeback Player of the Year honors and solidified his place as a starter.

He noted that he calls Carroll whenever he gets frustrated. He went on to confess that Carroll was able to talk through things and help him get clarity. Furthermore, he admitted that he would run through a brick wall for his former coach, signifying the bond between the two.

Now with the Raiders, Smith takes over an offense that struggled with consistency at quarterback in 2024. Still, it featured promising talents like rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who had a record-setting season, and wideout Jakobi Meyers, who crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time.

I was just talking to Jakobi, always thought he was a really good player. Brock Bowers, he’s an All-Pro and I still think he’s got so much room to grow. A big part of my job is to help him do that—and he can help me improve as well.

Geno Smith said

With offseason workouts set to begin Tuesday, Smith’s arrival is sure to bring fresh energy to a Raiders team eager for progress.