The Trade That Shook the NFL
On Friday evening, the Seattle Seahawks made one of the most significant moves of the offseason, trading their quarterback, Geno Smith, to the Las Vegas Raiders. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Seahawks are receiving a 2025 third-round pick in return. The Raiders have two third-round picks, their own and the New York Jets’ (acquired through the Davante Adams trade). It’s not yet clear which pick the Seahawks will receive, but the Jets pick is one spot behind the Raiders in the draft order.
A New Chapter for Geno Smith
The trade of Geno Smith is somewhat surprising, given that he had just entered the final year of his contract. Both General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Mike Macdonald had previously expressed their intent to keep Smith around. Schneider had stated during the NFL Scouting Combine, "We’re going to meet with (his agent) this week, and see where it goes, but we expect him to be our guy, but we want to do what’s right, too." Despite this, the Seahawks have now moved on, and Smith will reunite with his former head coach and Seahawks legend, Pete Carroll, in Las Vegas. Reports suggest that the Raiders might even extend the veteran quarterback’s contract.
The Seahawks’ Quarterback Conundrum
With Smith out of the picture, the Seahawks now face the significant challenge of finding a new starting quarterback. Currently, Sam Howell, a rookie from last year, is the only option that comes close to being a possible starter. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks are now expected to turn their attention to Minnesota Vikings quarterback and pending free agent, Sam Darnold, among other options. Darnold had a stellar season with the Vikings, reviving his career and earning his first Pro Bowl nod. He is considered one of the top quarterback options on the open market, if not the best, and may also be the most expensive, with Spotrac estimating a potential four-year, $160 million deal.
The Rise and Fall of Geno Smith in Seattle
Geno Smith’s tenure with the Seahawks spans five seasons, three of which he spent as the starter. The West Virginia product had a remarkable career revival in Seattle, earning two Pro Bowl nods during his time with the team. However, the Seahawks’ playoff performance during Smith’s tenure as the starter was less than stellar. They made the playoffs only once and did not win a postseason game during that time. Despite these shortcomings, Smith’s time in Seattle was characterized by his resilience and improvement, making the trade a significant turning point for both the player and the team.
The Impact on the Seahawks’ Future
The trade of Geno Smith not only leaves the Seahawks in need of a new quarterback but also signals a potential shift in the team’s strategy. The decision to trade Smith, who had become a fan favorite, suggests that the Seahawks are looking to make bold moves to strengthen their roster. The acquisition of a third-round pick in 2025 provides the team with additional draft capital, which could be crucial in addressing other areas of need. The Seahawks will likely explore various options in free agency and the draft to find a suitable replacement for Smith and to bolster their overall competitiveness.
Moving Forward with a New Vision
As the Seahawks navigate this new chapter, the focus will be on finding the right quarterback to lead the team into the future. Sam Darnold is a strong candidate, but the Seahawks will also consider other options to ensure they make the best possible decision. The trade of Geno Smith marks the end of an era for the Seahawks, but it also opens up new possibilities for the franchise. With a mix of draft picks and potential free agent acquisitions, the Seahawks are poised to make some significant moves in the coming weeks and months. The future of the Seahawks is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the team is committed to building a winning roster and is willing to make the necessary moves to achieve that goal.
