UPDATE: The Las Vegas Raiders have officially acquired Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in a bold offseason trade, but experts warn that the quarterback faces a daunting challenge in the AFC West division. As the Raiders prepare for their season opener against the New England Patriots this Sunday, the stakes have never been higher.
In a recent analysis by NFL executive Mike Sando from The Athletic, it was confirmed that while Smith is an upgrade over last season’s options, his impact may be limited. “They will be better,” the executive stated. “But I think the whole AFC West has gotten so much better. Even if Geno Smith plays the best he’s ever played in his career, he’s still the fourth-best quarterback in that division.”
With standout quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix leading their teams, Smith has a challenging road ahead. At 34 years old, he is set to turn 35 next month, raising questions about his capacity to compete at the highest level in such a competitive environment.
Despite completing 70.4 percent of his passes in 2024, Smith’s statistics from last year reveal vulnerabilities: 4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. The Raiders’ offensive lineup does not appear promising, and questions loom about the effectiveness of their receiving corps, which lacks depth beyond Jakobi Meyers. Meyers is reportedly disgruntled over a stalled contract, further complicating Smith’s situation.
Looking ahead, the Raiders hope for breakout performances from rookie wide receivers and players like Tre Tucker. However, the overall outlook remains grim. Analysts speculate that finishing higher than last place in the AFC West might be a significant challenge for Las Vegas this season.
As this situation develops, fans are eager to see if Geno Smith can defy the odds and lead the Raiders to success. Kickoff against the New England Patriots is set for this Sunday, and all eyes will be on the new quarterback to see how he navigates this critical challenge.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Raiders embark on their 2024 NFL season.
