Jobaaj Stories
Geno Smith Traded to the Raiders: Fantasy Football Fallout
In a surprising move days before free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders acquired veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. This trade reunites Smith with his former coach, Pete Carroll, now at the helm in Las Vegas, and sends ripples through both teams' fantasy football outlooks.
Geno Smith's 2025 Fantasy Outlook: A Raider Rebirth?
Smith's four-year tenure in Seattle, while ending without playoff appearances in his final two seasons as a starter, was marked by exceptional accuracy. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in completion percentage and off-target throw rate. However, his deep-ball accuracy, while good, was less impressive. The Raiders' receiving corps, featuring Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, potentially benefit greatly from Smith's improved accuracy compared to their 2024 performance, characterized by high inaccurate target rates.
A significant factor will be the Raiders' offensive line. Smith faced high pressure rates in Seattle, partly due to the Seahawks' poor pass protection. If Las Vegas fails to improve its offensive line, Smith's fantasy value might be limited. His rushing ability offers some weekly upside, but he's not a quarterback who consistently racks up fantasy points on the ground.
The Raiders' offensive scheme under Pete Carroll remains uncertain. The team needs to bolster the receiving corps through free agency or the draft to unlock Smith’s full potential downfield. Consequently, his fantasy value will likely stay in the QB2 range, with weekly upside determined by matchups.
Seahawks 2025 Fantasy Outlook: Uncertainty Reigns
The Seahawks' offensive future is clouded by Smith's departure, the potential trade of DK Metcalf, and the departure of Tyler Lockett. They are reportedly targeting Sam Darnold, whose performance last season showed high potential, but inconsistent play action usage leaves questions unanswered for their 2025 offense.
Until the Seahawks solidify their quarterback situation, fantasy projections for their players remain tentative. The addition of a new QB, whether Darnold or another player, will drastically alter their fantasy potential.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Gamble for the Raiders
The Raiders' trade for Geno Smith is a high-stakes gamble. While his accuracy can elevate the fantasy value of their receiving corps, their ability to protect him and build a potent passing attack remains uncertain. His reunion with Pete Carroll provides a familiar comfort level, which is good, but whether that translates to fantasy football success remains to be seen. For the Seahawks, it's a complete rebuild; their fantasy landscape is totally uncertain until they name a new starting quarterback.
