NFL Trade Reaction: Is Pete Carroll Making a “Good” Move by Moving to the Raiders with Geno Smith?
Pete Carroll made the surprising but intriguing move from Seattle to Las Vegas, taking Geno Smith with him. The Seahawks have traded the veteran quarterback to the Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, a deal reported by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The move, reportedly driven by financial disagreements, signals a significant shift in the NFL landscape.
Behind the Scene: Pete Carroll’s Bold Move
Pete Carroll, now the Raiders’ head coach, has been infamous for his strategies to build competitive teams. His decision to bring Geno Smith along to Las Vegas is a testament to his preference for tried-and-true personnel. Smith, who has played under Carroll for the last four years, is both familiar and reliable in his eyes. The veteran quarterback will undoubtedly bring stability and experience to Las Vegas.
The Financial Angle
Money was one of the main reasons for Pete Carroll’s decision to move from Seattle to Las Vegas with a veteran quarterback as his backup. The two sides were roughly $10 million apart in negotiations, according to Sports Illustrated. Seattle was hoping to sign Smith to an extension that would pay him about $35 million annually, but Smith’s camp was reportedly aiming for a deal that would pay him $45 million per season.
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Did You Know?
Pete Carroll played a significant role in shaping Smith’s career. Having coached him for the past four years, Carroll knows Smith’s strengths and how to leverage them effectively. In 2013, the Seahawks drafted out of his 2013 season, where he was a second-round pick. After five seasons spent in New York and the last three as the Seahawks starting quarterback, Smith has made a significant mark on his NFL career.
The Trade Implications for Both Teams
The Raiders’ Perspective
For the Raiders, Carroll has secured a proven, veteran quarterback who can bring stability and experience to the team. Geno Smith, the 34-year-old quarterback, had a remarkable season with the Seahawks completing 70.4% of his passes. The question is, can he replicate this success in Las Vegas, among his new team?
The Raiders are embarking on a competitive journey with Smith by their side. However, they must remember that Smith, despite his performance, isn’t a long-term solution. The organization will need to look for alternatives soon. Smith, who has struggled with high interception rates and lower reliability, cannot solely rely on the former role of the Seahawks. Waiting for the draft’s sixth overall pick and utilizing it on another position would give them the option to attract more long-term players.
With Smith already aged 34 and expected to play successfully, the Raiders must have a highly successful offseason to ensure their success. The Raiders are also equipped with the 18th overall pick, which they will need to use wisely.
The Seahawks’ Perspective
Across the board, the Seahawks have found themselves in a tough spot. With Carroll and Smith gone, the Seahawks will need a new quarterback and potentially game-changing receiver if trading the franchise legend and Metcalf completes it. Their starting quarterback, Sam Howells, might not be the answer going forward, considering that he was sacked a league-high 65 times in a row as reported in 2023.
If they traded for Kirk Cousins, they might luck out with their 18th overall pick. However, Seattle is known for having more than specifically five stable and reliable quarterbacks, which might put them in the red zone again. For the Seahawks, they decided on which track they wanted to embark on when they embarked on this rebuild—but having a backup with nine seasons starting experience should have helped them out in the long run.
Future Trends in the NFL Quarterback Market
Veteran Quarterbacks: Experienced Hands for the Win
Veteran quarterbacks are becoming increasingly important in the contemporary NFL, not just as starters but as reliable fill-ins. Clyentinus Snohit and Smith, and others have repeatedly proven they can lead teams to victories, especially in crucial moments. While a Spartak breakdown might hinder their progress, by saving these added potential players, finding and focusing a team’s “sound” is key.
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However, the reality is that the long-term success of an NFL team often relies on developing young talent. The influx of young quarterbacks from colleges has intensified the competition in the NFL. The ‘modelnd-dynasty’ trend of keeping younger talent has become eroded upon by an ’NFL’, one that no longer tolerates aging talent.
Pro Tip:
When considering trade negotiations and financial investments in NFL, pay close attention to the long-term potential of players. While veteran talent like Geno Smith brings stability and immediate success, investing in young, developing talent is crucial for sustained success.
FAQ: What Does This Trade Mean for the NFL?
Q: Why did the Seahawks trade Geno Smith?
A: The Seahawks traded Geno Smith due to a major gap in contract negotiations. Smith’s camp was seeking a $45 million annual salary, while the Seahawks were willing to pay $35 million.
Q: How will this trade affect the Raiders’ future?
A: The Raiders have a chance at being competitive with a veteran in place of a quarterback. However, they still need to draft a young quarterback to cement long-term stability.
Q: What alternatives does the Seahawks have at quarterback?
A: Currently, Sam Howell is the primary option, but the Seahawks have the 18th overall pick and may consider drafting a new quarterback or trading for someone.
NFL Future Trends: Quarterbacks Receiving Headlines in Countdown
The NFL is constantly evolving, and the quarterback position remains at the forefront. Veteran players continue to showcase their worth, while young talents are the future. The Raiders’ and Seahawks’ moves are indicators of more trades and personnel changes to come in the ever-dynamic NFL. With the Raiders picking up Smith, the Seahawks have to manually redraft under seemingly skilled candidates.
Given Smith’s proven capabilities, the Raiders must have intolerable faith in him. Smith might bring major injuries to a roster that hasn’t seen various players. But, other good things do come by surprise. We’ll need to follow more of these major trades to determine if they’re good for the future.
Reader Question:
What team do you think will benefit the most from the Geno Smith trade in the next few years, and why?
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References Table
| Team | Player | Role | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | Geno Smith | Starting Quarterback | Immediate stability and potential 2025 success |
| Seahawks | Sam Howell | Starting Quarterback | Immediate availability, will need major improvement |
| Raiders | Maxx Crosby | Pass Rusher | Extends the Raiders’ aggressive offensive line |
| Seahawks | DK Metcalf | Wide Receiver | Rebuild Season, prospect exchange could trade success. |
| Seahawks | 18th Pick | Any Position | Needs the fourth-round draft since everything |
| Seahawks | Kirk Cousins | Starting Quarterback | Best choice, can fill the void |
So, are you a fan of these NFL trades? Comment below and let us know your thoughts on the biggest deals of the decade. Which team do you think will benefit more from Geno Smith’s trade and transformation into Las Vegas. And a lot more about whatever size and need worth our choosing of team buds that’ll help our write-ups. Let’s talk about hitting the draft this season.