Geno Smith’s ‘Unfinished Business’: Can He Find Success with the Raiders After Seahawks Departure?
Geno Smith’s journey in the NFL has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From early struggles with the New York Jets to a career resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith has defied expectations and proven his resilience time and again. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter with the Las Vegas Raiders, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can he find sustained success in Sin City?
A Fresh Start in the Silver and Black
On April 7, 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders officially announced the signing of Geno Smith to a multi-year contract extension. This move signaled a clear commitment from the Raiders to Smith as their quarterback of the present and, potentially, the future. Acquired via trade with the Seattle Seahawks in March, Smith is entering his 13th NFL season, bringing a wealth of experience and a chip on his shoulder to the Raiders organization.
“We don’t want to celebrate contracts. We want to celebrate wins,” Smith said, echoing a sentiment shared by Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. “And the thing is, that just kind of set the tone for the team. This is our quarterback. This is the direction we’re headed. And there’s no gray area there. Everything’s set in stone. And when you have that, when you can set a real plan, then you can get things going.”
Reuniting with Pete Carroll
One of the most intriguing aspects of Smith’s move to the Raiders is his reunion with head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll, who previously coached Smith in Seattle, played a pivotal role in the quarterback’s career revival.
“I think there is unfinished business, and I think when people think about my story, you know, Coach Carroll was a big part of that,” Smith explained during his introductory news conference. “He gave me an opportunity when not many people would have. He saw the hard work that I was putting in, he saw the things behind the scenes that I do that allow me to get this opportunity.”
Carroll’s confidence in Smith is evident, and he believes the veteran quarterback will bring much-needed stability to the Raiders’ offense. “He’s going to bring us great stability and belief in the kinds of things that we stand for,” Carroll said. “His habits are so, so stellar; the way he works, the way he looks at the game, the way he looks at the challenges of it all is exactly in line with the way we think. So, he’ll represent us in magnificent fashion.”
The Chip Kelly Factor
Adding another layer of intrigue to the Raiders’ offensive equation is the hiring of Chip Kelly as the team’s offensive coordinator. Kelly, known for his innovative and fast-paced offensive schemes, brings a wealth of experience to Las Vegas.
“You have to look at what is available to you, whether it’s through the draft or through free agency, or on the current roster,” Kelly said, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the offense to the strengths of the available players.
Kelly’s arrival could be a significant boost for Smith, as the offensive coordinator has a history of maximizing the potential of his quarterbacks. Kelly even tried to recruit Smith to Oregon many years before coaching his cousin Jermaine at Ohio State in 2024. The pairing of Smith and Kelly has the potential to create a dynamic and explosive offense in Las Vegas.
Geno’s Journey: From Doubts to Determination
Geno Smith’s path to becoming the Raiders’ starting quarterback has been far from conventional. Drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Smith’s early career was marked by inconsistency and struggles. In 33 games with the Jets, he threw for 5,962 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions, with a passer rating of 72.4.
After his time with the Jets, Smith spent time as a backup for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers before finding his way to Seattle. It was with the Seahawks that Smith experienced a career resurgence, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022.
In 2022, Smith led the league in completion percentage (70.4%) and threw for a career-high 4,320 yards and 30 touchdowns. He followed that up with another solid season in 2023, earning his second Pro Bowl nod.
The Raiders’ Quarterback Conundrum
The Raiders’ decision to acquire Smith and sign him to an extension addresses a long-standing need for stability at the quarterback position. In recent years, the Raiders have struggled to find a consistent and reliable signal-caller.
While some analysts predicted the Raiders might target a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team’s commitment to Smith suggests they are confident in his ability to lead the offense. Tom Brady’s involvement in the decision-making process further underscores the Raiders’ belief in Smith.
Can Geno Find Success in Las Vegas?
The question remains: Can Geno Smith find sustained success with the Raiders? Several factors suggest he has a legitimate chance.
- Reunion with Pete Carroll: Carroll’s familiarity with Smith’s strengths and weaknesses should allow for a seamless transition and a tailored offensive scheme.
- Chip Kelly’s Offense: Kelly’s innovative offensive mind could unlock a new level of performance for Smith and the Raiders’ offense.
- Tom Brady’s Influence: Brady’s presence as a minority owner and advisor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization, particularly in the quarterback position.
- Smith’s Experience and Leadership: After years of adversity, Smith has emerged as a respected leader and a proven performer.
However, challenges remain. The Raiders’ offense ranked 29th in scoring during the 2024 season, and Smith will need to elevate the unit’s performance significantly. The AFC West is a competitive division, with Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix posing formidable challenges.
The Road Ahead
Geno Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas marks a new beginning for both the quarterback and the Raiders organization. With a supportive coaching staff, a talented offensive coordinator, and the backing of a legendary quarterback, Smith has the opportunity to solidify his legacy and lead the Raiders back to contention.
As Smith himself stated, “I’m still, in my mind, that same guy who had to fight, scratch and claw for the opportunity and that will never leave me.” That determination, combined with his talent and experience, could be the key to unlocking success in the Silver and Black.