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Geno Smith Predicted to Have Bigger Impact Than Sam Darnold in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin C. Boyd | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 1:51 PM ET

Geno Smith might just be the most underrated quarterback in the NFL right now. Over his last three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, he compiled a 27-22 record with 71 touchdown passes.

At times, he has played like a top-10 quarterback. He's now with the Las Vegas Raiders and should have the best offensive playcaller in his career in Chip Kelly. That's not to mention he'll be able to throw to superstar tight end Brock Bowers.

The Raiders have had a rough few years, but much of that was due to poor quarterback play. In a recent column for NFL.com, Jeffri Chadiha answered a question about which non-Aaron Rodgers veteran quarterback who joined a new team this offseason will have the biggest impact. He thinks the answer is clear.

"There's a long list here -- including Sam Darnold (Seattle), Justin Fields (New York Jets), Russell Wilson ( New York Giants) and Daniel Jones (Indianapolis) -- but Geno Smith is the obvious choice," Chadiha wrote. "The Raiders traded a third-round pick to acquire him from Seattle, and he's walking into a situation that is extremely familiar to him. Head coach Pete Carroll was leading the Seahawks back in 2022 when that team decided to deal Russell Wilson to Denver and elevate Smith from backup to starter after Smith spent several years operating as a journeyman backup. Smith has been a solid signal-caller in the three seasons since that point, as he's averaged 4,075 passing yards and thrown 71 touchdown passes and 35 interceptions."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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