The Las Vegas Raiders made their big move last week by trading for quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.
Smith spent five seasons in Seattle, starting the last three. His familiarity with new head coach Pete Carroll was a major reason why the Raiders decided to bring him in on the last year of his current deal. Operating in a system he already knows, the hope is that Smith and Carroll can work together to turn the Raiders into a more competitive unit.
Some within the national sports media believes the duo is capable of doing exactly that.
The Smith trade has received praise from two prominent sports media figures.
During his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, ESPN NFL analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky heaped praise onto the Raiders for the decision to trade for Smith.
“I like Geno in Las Vegas,” said Orlovsky. “Brock Bowers is really good. I think Las Vegas has okay wide receivers. Like, I am a big Jakobi Meyers guy. But they are going to have to add some pieces as well.”
“The offensive line is a little better than I think the play at quarterback made you think. Geno was fantastic with a bad offensive line. But they need to add some pieces. I love the fact that he is with Chip Kelly. They need another starting offensive lineman or two. I think Geno gives this team a chance to just compete in a week-to-week basis for now.”
McAfee also chimed in during the conversation, praising Smith for his resilience throughout his career and the good fit he has with the Raiders due to his connections.
“I love Geno’s competitive spirit,” said McAfee. “Especially with the journey he has been on … With Geno, the way he has kind of got to this point I respect. And the fact that he turned down that deal with Seattle to go to Las Vegas to rejoin Pete Carroll on his mission and Chip Kelly over there as offensive coordinator and Tom Brady seemingly on a day-to-day basis a phone call away. Great scene for Geno Smith.”
“I like Geno Smith in Las Vegas..
The Raiders offensive line is better than people think and Geno gives this team a real chance to compete on a week to week basis” @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/pIdbpJPqlQ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 12, 2025
Carroll, along with new general manager John Spytek, are in for a busy couple of months. Free agency will dominate the headlines throughout March, while April will lead to a change in focus to the draft. These two events are pivotal to the future of the Raiders, determining the success Smith and his new team will have for 2025 and beyond
At the very least, Smith has two high-profile supporters in his corner for the latest chapter of his journey.
Raiders pick up former first-round selection to bolster secondary
