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Top Trade Target Emerges In Raiders' Quarterback Search

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 1:13 PM ET

There's a new regime in the Las Vegas Raiders with a new general manager, new head coach and even a new part-owner in Tom Brady. One of the first tasks that the three men are working on is solving the team's quarterback issue.

Earlier today, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Raiders are not opposed to trading for an established starter to solve their problem. Speculation quickly ran rampant as to which starter the team might be targeting.

But according to one Raiders insider, there's one clear favorite.

On Friday, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal noted that Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith "makes a lot of sense" for the Raiders. He suggested that people keep an eye on him as the new league year approaches.

"If the @Raiders do go down the trade route for a veteran QB for 2025, Geno Smith makes a lot of sense. Keep an eye on that one," Bonsignore wrote.

If the @Raiders do go down the trade route for a veteran QB for 2025, Geno Smith makes a lot of sense. Keep an eye on that one.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 7, 2025

Smith seems like a no-brainer of a choice for fairly obvious reasons.

Newly-minted Raiders head coach Pete Carroll turned Smith from a forgotten journeyman into a Pro Bowl quarterback during his days coaching the Seahawks. In two full seasons under Carroll in Seattle, Smith completed 67.4-percent of his passes for 7,906 yards and 50 touchdowns with 20 interceptions and made the Pro Bowl in both seasons.

But NFL fans don't seem all that keen on bringing Smith into the fold after the less than stellar year he had in 2024.

"Pete doesn’t need a Seattle south. I like Geno, the only way he comes is if others say NO. No on DK as well … new people Pete," one user replied to Bonsignore.

"Geno would automatically be the worst Qb in AFC West. Hate it . Doesn’t get me excited at all."

"Say it is Geno. In your opinion can this roster get where it needs to be in 1 offseason to be able to actually compete with a QB the level of Geno? I think it's going to take more than 1 offseason myself."

"Why trade for a guy who wouldnt be QB1 even if he was an FA? Only reason he makes sense to me is if they were sure of Cam/Shedeur to start 2nd half of the yr, & see Geno as a mentor type There are a trenche of better QBs & a trenche of younger potential starters in FA."

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 24: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on November 24, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Clearly Smith is a bit of a polarizing option but it's easy to understand why.

The AFC West is stacked with quarterback talent between Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and rookie sensation Bo Nix, all three of whom took their teams to the playoffs this past year.

If the Raiders want to keep pace or surpass the other three teams, they might need someone with a higher ceiling.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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