Geno Smith spent six years with the Seattle Seahawks, initially as a backup to Russell Wilson and later as the franchise’s starting quarterback. During his three years leading the team, he achieved several milestones, including a playoff appearance, two Pro Bowl selections, and receiving the AP Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022. Despite these accomplishments, Smith felt an underlying dissatisfaction with his tenure in Seattle, expressing that something was always missing.
This year’s move to the Las Vegas Raiders has granted Smith his first real opportunity to lead as the designated starting quarterback, a role he had not experienced while trying to fill Wilson’s shoes in Seattle.
“I finally got my team,” Smith shared with ESPN. “I always felt like I was trying to replace Russell, and you can never replace all the great things that he did. So I never felt like Seattle was my team. Also, I didn’t feel like I fit the aesthetic of the Seattle organization. The Raiders just fit me.”
The Seahawks never made it past the Wild Card round during Smith’s time as starting quarterback, but his performance helped keep the franchise competitive following key changes in both personnel and coaching. Last year, he led the Seahawks to ten victories and was one of the top passers in the league, culminating in a 69.8% completion rate in 2022.
After entering negotiations at the end of the 2024 season, Seattle decided to move in a different direction, pairing Sam Darnold with the team as Smith’s successor.
“I felt like I did all I could do,” Smith remarked. “I showed them who I am, and if they wanted to go a different direction, so be it.”
Smith noted that his confident demeanor might have caused friction with the front office during his time in Seattle:
“I for sure felt like it rubbed people in the front office the wrong way because of the way I carry myself. If it rubs somebody the wrong way, good. Those aren’t the people I want to go to war with. I want people who really go die about it because that’s how I am.”
With a new contract paying $12 million more per year than in Seattle, and under the guidance of Pete Carroll—who recognized Smith’s capabilities during his stint in Washington—this situation with the Raiders may present the ideal opportunity for Smith.
