Report: Seattle Seahawks trading Geno Smith to Las Vegas Raiders

The Seattle Seahawks are trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL Network reported. In exchange, the Raiders are sending a third-round pick in return.

Contract talks took place between Smith and the Seahawks, but nothing came to fruition. That led to the decision to move on, sending him to Las Vegas in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The move comes just three days before the NFL’s free agency negotiation period begins on Monday. Las Vegas was seen as a potential destination for Sam Darnold if he left the Vikings, and reports now indicate Seattle is expected to heavily pursue him.

Sources to The Insiders: The #Seahawks are trading QB Geno Smith to the #Raiders in exchange for a third round pick.

Seattle had contract discussions with Smith recently. In the end, they decide to move him to Vegas for a reunion with Pete Carroll. pic.twitter.com/mBpmjjNL2Z

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2025

Smith saw a career renaissance in Seattle under Pete Carroll, making back-to-back Pro Bowls under his watch. He broke out in 2022, completing 69.8% of his passes for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns – setting career-highs in all three categories at the time. His numbers dipped a bit in 2023 while missing two games, but he still totaled 3,624 yards and 20 touchdowns.

After Carroll’s departure, Seattle brought in Mike MacDonald as head coach and Ryan Grubb in as offensive coordinator, which resulted in more of a pass-heavy attack. Smith once again had a career year, completing 70.4% of his passes for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Now, Smith is heading to Las Vegas, where he’ll reunite with Carroll and play under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. The next question will be what a potential contract will look like, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported a new deal is expected. Smith has been looking for somewhere between $40 and $45 million per year.

Geno Smith trade shakes up quarterback market

Friday’s surprising move could have a major impact on the quarterback market in free agency. With Geno Smith now likely in as the Raiders’ starting quarterback, more dominoes will have to fall.

All eyes now turn to Seattle. Sam Darnold is reportedly the top target after a huge 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns to help the franchise to a 14-3 record. However, the Vikings also expressed interest in bringing him back for less money than the franchise tag – valued at roughly $40 million.

With the Seahawks now in need of a quarterback, the market is suddenly taking a new turn. Top names such as Darnold and Aaron Rodgers are at the forefront of the conversation, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Justin Fields could potentially hit the market, as well. A return to the Pittsburgh Steelers is still very much in play, however.