Geno Smith Opens Up About Why He Left the Seahawks for the Raiders and What’s Next for His NFL Career

In a surprising revelation, Geno Smith, the talented quarterback recently traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders, has shed light on his decision-making process when it came to contract negotiations. What seemed like a brief back-and-forth turned out to be a one-sided affair, with Smith revealing that his representatives didn’t even counter the Seattle Seahawks’ offer.

Seahawks’ Offer and Geno Smith’s Reaction

According to Smith, the offer from Seattle’s General Manager, John Schneider, wasn’t anything close to what he had in mind. While the financials of the contract fell “well shy” of Smith’s desired average per year (APY), it wasn’t just the money that troubled him. Smith expressed frustration with the structure of the deal, which offered limited guarantees beyond the first year.

“This wasn’t about the money, it was more about the structure,” Smith explained to Albert Breer of SI.com. The structure of the deal would have allowed the Seahawks the same flexibility they had with Smith, potentially leaving him in a constant state of uncertainty regarding his future with the team. The lack of long-term security was a significant factor in Smith’s decision not to engage in further negotiations.

While the financial aspect played a part, it was the underlying uncertainty that ultimately led to Smith’s departure. He felt the Seahawks were essentially looking for a year-to-year commitment, just as they had with his replacement, Sam Darnold. This lack of commitment left Smith with little confidence in the long-term vision of the organization, prompting him to move on to new opportunities.

The Coaching Connection: Pete Carroll’s Influence

Despite parting ways with the Seahawks, Geno Smith’s bond with his former head coach, Pete Carroll, has remained strong. Even after the Seahawks traded Smith, Carroll continued to offer support and guidance, a gesture that Smith credits with helping him through some of the toughest moments of the 2023 season.

“I would call him whenever I got frustrated,” Smith shared. “He talked me through things, and he still coached me. And I think that’s what makes him such a special man, is that he was coaching me even when he wasn’t my head coach. A lot of the things that he was telling me, a lot of conversations we had really kept me steady throughout the season, and kept my head on straight. Because, again, man, this is a team that I gave everything I had to.”

This support from Carroll was invaluable to Smith, particularly as he dealt with the frustration of not receiving a contract extension from the Seahawks. Smith gave his all to the Seahawks during his tenure, and although he wasn’t granted the long-term deal he hoped for, he continued to push through the challenges with guidance from Carroll.

A Fresh Start with the Raiders

Smith’s journey took another unexpected turn when he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. With Pete Carroll no longer in the league in 2024, there were no restrictions on their communication. This newfound freedom allowed Smith and Carroll to reconnect, and it was during these talks that Smith realized he still had a place with Carroll—just not in Seattle.

Interestingly, while Smith could have potentially partnered with Carroll again in Seattle for the 2025 season, the timing didn’t align. Once Carroll accepted the Las Vegas job, all conversations between the two had to stop. Despite this, both Carroll and Smith found their way to the Raiders, where Smith is now working under a new contract—something he never received from Seattle.

Although Geno Smith now has the security of a contract with the Raiders, his new situation brings a unique set of challenges. The AFC West, home to teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos, is a much more competitive division than the NFC West, where the Seahawks reside. With the pressure mounting on both Smith and Carroll to turn things around quickly, their bond and shared experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.