The Las Vegas Raiders got their starting quarterback by trading a third-round pick for Geno Smith. Smith was reborn as an NFL starter under Pete Carroll in 2022 and now reunites with his former head coach in Las Vegas.
Diana Russini of The Athletic reported early in the day that the Silver and Black were seeking a veteran quarterback in a trade. That quarterback ended up being Smith, who has finished in the top-ton PFF grade the last two seasons.
After the trade, stories about how the deal was negotiated started to be released. Albert Breer reported that the third-round pick wasn’t what the Seattle Seahawks originally desired. With DK Metcalf on the trade market, the Seahawks offered the Raiders Metcalf and Smith in the hopes of landing Maxx Crosby.
The Seahawks opened trade discussions with the Raiders with this blockbuster proposal—Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to Vegas for Maxx Crosby. Vegas QUICKLY shot that down, and told Seattle that Crosby was not available.
But talks continued, and led to Geno becoming a Raider.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 8, 2025
Of course, the Raiders turned down the offer and signed Crobsy to a three-year extension worth $106 million. It tells fans that the franchise never considered moving their superstar pass rusher.
The Raiders were still able to land Geno Smith, who might sign an extension with his new team. This allows flexibility in the draft while giving the team the option to draft a quarterback to replace Smith as he ages.
In other Raiders links:
TDL Friday Night Live three-round mock draft: Tape Don’t Lie has their second mock draft of the year and discusses the Geno Smith trade.
Raiders release center Andre James: Raiders center since 2021 Andre James was released by the Raiders on Friday.
Should Pete Caroll unite with Poona Ford?: Matt Holder dives into the film and what Poona Ford could add to the Raiders roster.