Why Raiders Land Geno Smith, But 2025 Draft QB Plans Aren’t Dead
The Las Vegas Raiders have added veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in a move aimed at stabilizing the franchise’s signal-caller position. In exchange for a 2025 third‐round draft pick, the Raiders bring in the 34-year-old, whose recent resurgence under former coach Pete Carroll in Seattle earned him a reputation as a steady, veteran presence.
Smith, coming off a career year in Seattle—where he posted a 70.4% completion rate and helped guide the team to a playoff berth—is expected to serve as the Raiders’ starter for at least one season. The trade, while giving the Raiders an immediate upgrade at quarterback, doesn’t signal the end of their long-term quarterback search.
According to league sources and reports by The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, the Raiders are still considering drafting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Prospects like Miami’s Cam Ward, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe impressed scouts at the NFL Combine, leaving Las Vegas with viable options for a future long-term solution.
“This deal provides immediate stability while keeping our options open for the future,” said an insider. “If we extend Smith on a short-term contract, it allows us to develop a rookie quarterback from the draft without rushing the process.”
With veteran Geno Smith as a bridge, the Raiders plan to evaluate the draft’s top quarterback prospects during the upcoming selection. By securing a proven starter now, the organization is aiming to win in the near term while ensuring that the quarterback position isn’t a long-term weakness.
The move comes amid a turbulent offseason for the Raiders, who finished last season with a 4-13 record. With head coach Pete Carroll now at the helm and co-owner Tom Brady’s influence pushing for immediate improvement, the franchise appears committed to a dual approach: win now with a seasoned quarterback and build for the future through the NFL Draft.
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