The Green Bay Packers’ recent trade for a certain pass rusher has dominated the headlines, but it wasn’t the only franchise-altering move to happen this offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders’ acquisition of Geno Smith earlier in the year gives them a massive upgrade at the game’s most important position.
Ahead of the 2025 season, the veteran quarterback has revealed that tensions with the Seattle Seahawks had surfaced long before his eventual trade.
Geno Smith Getting Help From Familiar Face With the Seahawks In Tough 2024 Season
Contract disputes have long been a common theme of the NFL offseason; some players get the money they want, while others are made to wait. Smith was one of the latter last summer, as his requests for what he deemed fair compensation were dismissed by the Seahawks’ decision makers.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Smith revealed that his displeasure in Seattle went back as far as last offseason. The quarterback stated that upon being deemed undeserving of a new contract by the team, he leaned on his former head coach, Pete Carroll, for support.
GENO SMITH TAKES IT HIMSELF FOR THE LEAD WITH 12 SECONDS LEFT!!! 🤯😱
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/t6h8idcqjg— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 18, 2024
“I was frustrated with my situation there – I was severely underpaid and thinking, ‘I should be getting the market or something close to it,’” he said. “I had talks with John Schneider, and he had talks with the higher-ups, and it just wasn’t gonna happen. And it disappointed me so much, and I didn’t know who to reach out to or to talk to. So I reached out to coach [Carroll], and he was there for me.”
Smith revealed that rather than feel sorry for him, Carroll challenged him to step up and earn a new deal. The pair continued communicating throughout the season, with Carroll regularly offering support and advice. When Smith became available for a trade, a reunion with his former head coach in Las Vegas was inevitable.
Las Vegas Raiders Looking to Compete in 2025
In an offseason of change for the Raiders, the upgrades can be seen everywhere. A future Hall of Fame head coach, a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, and arguably the most exciting offensive talent in the 2025 draft class.
Read More: Las Vegas Raiders RBs Fantasy Outlooks: Ashton Jeanty and Raheem Mostert
Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas should be the tide to lift all boats in the Raiders offense, while Ashton Jeanty could prove near-impossible to stop from Week 1. Carroll should be able to keep a questionable defense competitive at the very least, while Chip Kelly should have no trouble getting a tune out of a tooled-up offense.
The team remains surrounded by three genuine contenders in the AFC West, but it’s difficult not to fancy them to shake things up in 2025.
