The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines recently with their significant move to acquire quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, a decision that raised eyebrows around the NFL. As of mid-March 2025, the Raiders are positioning themselves for both immediate success and long-term stability at the quarterback position as they forge ahead into a new phase of their team strategy.
At 34 years old, Smith's track record includes a notable resurgence in his career, particularly during his time with head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle. His experience and skill set certainly upgrade the Raiders’ prior quarterback situation, which suffered through a tumultuous season with a 4-13 record driven largely by ineffective quarterback play combined from various players. It was a tough year marked by Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Desmond Ridder combining for merely 19 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
However, while the Raiders seem set on Smith as their starter for at least the next couple of seasons, concerns linger regarding his longevity as a viable quarterback option. Smith's contract, which runs through the 2025 season, is also in question as analysts speculate on potential contract extensions. The inevitable question arises: how long can Smith remain a competitive starting quarterback in the league?
To ensure they are not caught flat-footed should Smith's performance decline, the Raiders are exploring the possibility of bolstering their roster with a young, developmental prospect. Among the names being floated is New England Patriots’ backup quarterback Joe Milton III. The 6-foot-5 Milton boasts one of the biggest arms in football and impressed during his limited appearances last season, completing 75.9% of his passes for 241 yards and a touchdown.
Despite his potential, Milton currently finds himself behind rookie quarterback Drake Maye in New England, leading to speculation that he could be on the trading block. Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports believes that the Raiders could be a logical landing spot for the promising quarterback, given their context. "It would be WILD to see the Patriots call up their old pal Tom Brady and coordinate a trade that gives the Raiders a quarterback, but this makes sense for Las Vegas even after the trade for Geno Smith," wrote Sullivan.
The Raiders also own the sixth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, which opens the door for them to potentially select a promising quarterback. Experts suggest that if Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is still available, the Raiders would have a hard time passing on him. CBS Sports NFL Draft writer Josh Edwards shared, "If you trade away that future capital and you’re not able to build around that player within the next two years, then you’re essentially wasting the next two or three years of not only Geno Smith’s future, but your organization as well." Thus, it might not just be about bringing in a backup; it’s about the team's broader organizational strategy for the next few years.
As fans watch these moves unfold, it is apparent that the Raiders intend to both compete immediately and build for the future. Acquiring Smith was undoubtedly a critical first step, but the question remains whether his arrival signals a definitive end to the Raiders' pursuit of another starting quarterback—or if there will be more surprises to come in the next draft. For now, the spotlight shines on how they will balance these dual objectives without compromising on either front.
The Raiders' situation is emblematic of the broader trends in the NFL, where teams are keenly aware that the quarterback position can define the trajectory of the entire franchise. The tension of immediate need versus long-term planning is palpable, and the Raiders appear determined to navigate this challenge creatively.
With the potential for further trades and draft selections looming, all eyes will be on Las Vegas as they make their bidding in the offseason. The Raiders are not just looking to fill the position but are searching for a player who can lead them through the challenges ahead. As they aim for a return to the playoffs, the choices they make now could well set the stage for a significant shift in the team's fortunes.
As they prepare for the NFL Draft, the franchise is gearing up for a pivotal moment in its history. Will they stay true to their recent strategy of acquiring established players like Smith, or will they take the plunge to add fresh talent and aim for a new direction under center? These are critical questions that will soon find answers in a rapidly evolving NFL landscape.
