The Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for the No. 92 pick in the 2025 draft, which they used to select dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe. The move effectively allowed Seattle to swap Smith for Sam Darnold and additional assets.
The trade occurred after Smith and Seattle failed to reach agreement on a contract extension during the offseason. Smith had requested a trade following the contract negotiations breakdown.
Vegas immediately secured Smith with a two-year, $75 million extension after completing the trade. The deal includes $58.5 million guaranteed at signing, providing Smith with long-term security in Las Vegas.
Seattle replaced Smith by signing Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract in free agency. Darnold’s deal contains $37.5 million guaranteed, significantly less than Smith’s guaranteed money with the Raiders.
The financial comparison favors Seattle over a two-year period. The Seahawks would owe Darnold $65 million during that span, while Smith would earn $66.5 million from Vegas.
Seattle also gains roster flexibility with a quarterback six years younger than Smith. The Seahawks can exit Darnold’s contract more easily if performance declines in 2025.
“Darnold and Geno to me are very similar, solidified starters but not in the top end,” an NFL personnel director said. “Geno has more of a track record as a passer, but Darnold threw 35 touchdowns last year, so if he can play close to how he did last year, that’s a great situation and opportunity for him. And Milroe has a different skill set. If he develops and figures out how to be a quarterback, he will become a really interesting player for them.”
Vegas addressed their quarterback deficiency with the Smith acquisition after enduring one of the league’s worst situations at the position last season.
“Geno gives them instant credibility at the position, and Pete [Carroll] and Geno seem to have good chemistry together, so it’s a good way for both of them to start,” said an NFL team executive.