It has been a quick rise and fall for Geno Smith. After years as a backup, he finally earned a starting job with the Seattle Seahawks and thrived.
He became a two-time Pro Bowler and was the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022. In the offseason, Smith wanted to follow Pete Carroll to the Las Vegas Raiders, so he was traded. Unfortunately, things have not been going well.
The Raiders are 2-10, and Smith is tied for the NFL lead with 14 interceptions. He’ll be 36 next season, so it doesn’t make much sense for him to stay with a rebuilding Las Vegas team. The Raiders could cut him in the offseason, but there would be an $18.5 million dead cap hit.
The team could hold out for a trade, but that might be difficult to find considering his play this season. Smith is older, but he doesn’t sound interested in retiring. He was asked about his future, and while he isn’t sure he’ll be back with the Raiders, he plans to keep playing.
“My future is what God writes for me,” Smith told reporters on Wednesday. “I focus on the day-to-day, that’s all you can do as an NFL player … the whole future thing, I’ve got a bright future. I know that for sure.”
Are There Any Teams That Could Trade for Smith?
Considering his play this season, it’s easy to see why people might be dubious that the Raiders would be able to find a trade partner. However, there are plenty of teams that are desperate for better quarterback play.
The Minnesota Vikings are an interesting team to watch. They won 14 games last season, but decided to let Sam Darnold walk in free agency in favor of JJ McCarthy. Statistically, McCarthy has been the worst quarterback since JaMarcus Russell.
That team is loaded with talent, so why not take a flyer on Smith and see if he could return to form with a stronger roster and better offensive coaching staff? The price for him would likely be very low in a trade, and his cap hit is only $26.5 million next season, which isn’t high for a starting quarterback. The Vikings should be a team to watch if the Raiders decide to move on from Smith.
Smith Praises Pete Carroll
One way that Smith will likely return to the Raiders is if Pete Carroll is retained as head coach. He has a lot of belief in the veteran quarterback.
Regardless, the Raiders will likely consider trying to find a quarterback of the future, but Smith is tied to Carroll for now. Even though the season has been a mess, Smith still has a lot of belief in the head coach.
“Coach is a Hall of Famer, one of the best coaches of all time,” Smith said. “And I think he knows what he’s doing. I know he knows what he’s doing.
“He’s done it for a long time, a lot longer than I have, a lot longer than I’ve been living. … You know, no one’s perfect, but I think for the most part, he’s got a really good handle on things.”
Geno Smith Drops Telling Statement About Raiders Future