Raiders Trade for Geno Smith Falls Short
Last spring, when your phone buzzed with the news that the Las Vegas Raiders had traded for veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, you might have shrugged and moved on. This deal was not expected to spark excitement or suggest that Vegas would be formidable contenders for the Super Bowl. Instead, it aimed to stabilize their quarterback situation, but that endeavor has notably failed in the early part of the season.
Raiders Struggle with Disappointing Record
Following their crushing 40-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Raiders now sit at a dismal 1-4 record. This places them at the bottom of the AFC West, leading to dwindling hopes of being competitive as Thanksgiving approaches. The situation at quarterback hasn’t improved with Smith, who has been plagued by turnovers since joining the team.
Geno Smith’s Performance Under Fire
In this recent loss, Smith experienced his third game this season with multiple interceptions, throwing two picks that directly contributed to the Colts scoring touchdowns afterward. His struggle with turnovers has been a recurring issue, as he has thrown nine interceptions total, resulting in significant points for opposing teams—35 points, to be exact, from interception returns.
Troubling Statistics for Smith
Smith’s nine interceptions are notable; they rank among the highest recorded by a Raiders quarterback in their first five games since 1970. He now shares this undesirable record with players like Josh McCown and Kerry Collins. Such numbers indicate that Smith’s start with the Raiders is shaping up to be one of the roughest in the franchise’s history.
Trade Aims and Future Implications
The intention behind acquiring Smith was to elevate the team’s passing game after a lackluster previous season, marked by performances from quarterbacks like Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Despite Smith’s arrival, the performance has not significantly improved. His statistics reveal that his passing yards and efficiency remain comparable or worse than last year’s starters.
Future Considerations for the Raiders
Moreover, Smith signed a two-year, $75 million extension that keeps him in Las Vegas until 2027, with a significant guarantee for this season. If his performance doesn’t improve, it may lead the Raiders to reconsider his position, possibly incurring dead money on their salary cap. If things continue down this trajectory, a major reshuffle in the Raiders’ quarterback strategy could be on the horizon, echoing the instability currently evident under coach Pete Carroll.
Conclusion: One-and-Done Prospects
The future appears bleak for both Smith and the Raiders, as his lack of improvement raises questions about his long-term viability with the franchise. The team might be facing another reset at the quarterback position, which could further complicate their efforts to establish a consistent and competitive roster.
