After a disappointing 2024 NFL season, the Seattle Seahawks decided to make major changes to their roster. One of them was the decision to release quarterback Geno Smith, which the Las Vegas Raiders were able to take advantage of with Tom Brady as a minority owner. Head coach Pete Carroll will be reunited with a player he has coached before.
The Raiders acquired Smith in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The move reunites the veteran quarterback with coach Pete Carroll, with whom he previously worked for three seasons with the Seahawks from 2020-2023.
After the departures of Gardner Minshew and backup Desmond Ridder, the Raiders needed to address the quarterback position in a hurry for the 2025 NFL. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Aaron Rodgers and even Sam Darnold were mentioned as possibilities for the position, but in the end, Brady and Carroll decided to go all-in on Smith, who responded with an emotional message.
Geno Smith’s reaction to his arrival at the Raiders
“Excited to get to work and win,” reacted Smith on his social media with a 7-word message. “The time is now,” he said. The new Raiders quarterback’s words on his X account (formerly Twitter) reflect that the Las Vegas franchise’s quest is aimed at changing its image after a poor season in 2024.
The Raiders have signed an NFL champion with the Buccaneers
Days before the Smith trade from the Seahawks was confirmed, the Raiders had already gone to work to bring in an NFL champion from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is veteran guard Alex Cappa, who came to Las Vegas from the Cincinnati Bengals on a two-year, $11.2 million contract that includes $5.5 million fully guaranteed upon signing.
see also
Pete Carroll’s net worth: Earnings, career and fortune of Las Vegas Raiders coach
The Raiders’ challenge for the 2025 NFL season
Carroll’s arrival is a strong bet for Las Vegas, which has made Tom Brady a key decision-maker for the team in the offseason. The AFC West division franchise has only made the playoffs once since 2017, and hasn’t won a postseason game since 2002. For that reason, Smith’s arrival, along with other moves, will be aimed at changing the face of the Raiders.
