In a wide-ranging interview with Sports Illustrated, quarterback Geno Smith revealed that the primary reason for leaving the Seattle Seahawks was not about money but about a disconnect between himself and management.
Seahawks and Geno Smith Had Cordial Disconnect
“Obviously, they have young guys in the building that they want to step up and be leaders, and they got a new head coach last year,” Smith told Sports Illustrated.
Going into 2024, Smith knew where he stood. The Seahawks were in the middle of a youth movement after landing four draft picks in the Russell Wilson trade to the Denver Broncos. While Smith wasn’t in danger of being replaced immediately, he did have to deal with a different culture and a new offense, both of which he did his best to embrace.
“And Mike [Macdonald] was good for us, and I really enjoyed being with him for that season,” Smith said.
However, after a season that saw Smith’s numbers drop off a bit — especially in interceptions, where he went from nine in 2023 to 15 in 2024 — he missed a third straight Pro Bowl appearance despite throwing for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Smith added that he felt frustrated and out of place all through the season. As such, he found himself calling on his former coach, Pete Carroll, for counsel and guidance. That helped him make it through the season, but when it came time to negotiate a new contract, Seattle wasn’t willing to give Smith guaranteed money beyond one year.
“But again, man, when you’re talking about business, and you’re talking about a quarterback who wants not only to get paid — every player wants to get paid — but to be respected, that’s the most important thing. It’s the respect factor. And I just felt like there was a disconnect there.”
That doesn’t mean the split with Seattle was fraught with animosity or bitterness, and it wasn’t about the money.
Seattle offered Smith two years worth $40–45 million. In the end, the Seahawks wanted to make sure Smith was taken care of, and as it turns out, he would have an unexpected opportunity open up for him.
During the offseason, Carroll was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders to be their new head coach. This opened up an obvious chance for a reunion, which came together when the Seahawks traded Smith to the Raiders for a third-round pick.
Las Vegas then turned around and gave him a two-year, $75 million contract, prompting him to say, “I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.”
Now, in a place where he feels wanted and secure, Smith has a chance to, as he told ESPN, “I think there is unfinished business.”
“And I think, when people think about my story, Coach Carroll was a big part of that. He gave me an opportunity when not many people would have,” Smith went on to say.
Now he has a chance to take advantage of another opportunity.