The Las Vegas Raiders have been hindered by poor quarterback performance in recent years, hitting a low point in 2024.

Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell shared starting duties last season, with Desmond Ridder also playing in several games. Each quarterback underperformed, making it evident that the team needed to improve at the position during the offseason.

Following the hires of John Spytek as general manager and Pete Carroll as head coach, the Raiders secured their long-term quarterback by trading for Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. Shortly after, they signed Smith to a lucrative multi-year contract extension.

Smith represents a significant upgrade from Minshew and O'Connell, positioning Carroll's team to contend for a playoff spot in 2025. As a result, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has ranked this trade as one of the best offseason moves.

'The Raiders still face challenges on both offense and defense. However, without fixing the quarterback issue, they were going nowhere. Geno Smith isn't Patrick Mahomes, but the 34-year-old just had his first 10-win season with the Seattle Seahawks. If he wins 10 games in Las Vegas, they'll build a statue of him outside Allegiant Stadium,' Davenport wrote.

While Smith isn't an elite quarterback, his experience, strong relationship with Carroll, accuracy, and proven ability to win games in various situations make him valuable.

The Raiders' offense appears stronger for 2025, boosted by the addition of dynamic running back Ashton Jeanty, and a receiving group led by veteran Jakobi Meyers and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, all benefiting from Smith's presence at quarterback.