Aug 16, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warms up before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Aug 16, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warms up before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Geno Smith & Brock Bowers Building Rapport

Originally posted on Raiders Newswire | By Corey Hansford | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 6:38 PM ET

There are some rumors floating around surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders potentially adding a new pass catcher, as Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested a trade. The Raiders certainly have some questions at that position, but the fact that they have tight end Brock Bowers undoubtedly makes up for that.

In his rookie season, Bowers immediately established himself as arguably the best tight end in the NFL with one of the best seasons we have ever seen. He was named a Pro Bowler and All-Pro First Team selection, and now, with Geno Smith under center, he could be set for an even bigger season in Year 2.

Bowers and Smith are already building a good rapport through training camp, with the veteran saying that he feels bad any time he doesn’t get the tight end the ball, via Jesse Merrick of SBSN:

The connection between Brock and Geno has been on point throughout camp so far

Geno even said, “I can’t give him the ball enough. I feel bad every time I don’t throw him the ball.”

Easy to see why #Raiders pic.twitter.com/jgchcXSPIZ

— Jesse Merrick – Silver & Black Sports Network (@JesseSBSN) July 30, 2025

This is exactly what the Raiders love to see and hear, and is why there is some excitement surrounding this team going into the 2025 season. As a rookie, and with awful QB play, Bowers caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, setting several records along the way. For him to already be on the same page with Smith, and for the veteran to be so determined to get him the ball as much as possible, is a great sign for what is to come this season.

Bowers is genuinely one of the best weapons in the NFL, and Smith recognizes this. The Raiders offense under head coach Pete Carroll will find ways to get the ball to him as much as possible, and Smith building that trust with Bowers should only lead to great things for themselves individually, and the Raiders as a whole this season.

Raiders TE Brock Bowers discusses what he’s learned from George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski

After just one NFL season, Raiders TE Brock Bowers has already established himself as one of the best at his position and has the potential to be one of the greatest ever. And he is already picking up things and learning from some of the best ever in George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski.

This article first appeared on Raiders Newswire and was syndicated with permission.

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