Las Vegas Raiders rumors reveal strategy to find starting QB, potential Pro Bowl trade target

The Las Vegas Raiders were at the center of NFL rumors for a potential Matthew Stafford trade before he ultimately stayed with the Los Angeles Rams. With the top veteran quarterback option off the board, Las Vegas is quickly pivoting to secondary choices.

Just days out from NFL free agency, Las Vegas has already been connected to the likes of Justin Fields, Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. Wilson has ties to new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll while Rodgers’ relationship with team owner Tom Brady makes Las Vegas a potential landing spot.

There have also been persistent NFL rumors regarding the possibility of Las Vegas either drafting a rookie quarterback with the sixth overall pick or trading up for one in the 2025 NFL Draft. For now, adding a veteran is the focus and one new name is emerging.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Raiders are currently exploring veteran quarterback options right now. The team is reportedly open to trading for a ‘current’ starting quarterback and there’s one specific option being tied to the team already.

Geno Smith stats (ESPN): 4,320 passing yards, 21-15 TD-INT, 70.4% completion rate, 93.2 QB rating

Senior NFL report Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports wrote that he spoke with two league sources who believe that Geno Smith is a “possibility” to be the Raiders starting quarterback in 2025.

“Two league sources believe there is a possibility that the Las Vegas Raiders could pursue a trade for Seahawks QB Geno Smith after striking out on Stafford. That would reunite Smith with Raiders head coach Pete Carroll and open up a quarterback slot in Seattle, potentially putting Darnold in play for the Seahawks.”
Charles Robinson on a potential Geno Smith trade to the Las Vegas Raiders

Geno Smith contract (Spotrac): $38.5 million cap hit in 2025

Smith has been an excellent starter in recent years. Over the last three seasons, he owns a 71-35 TD-INT ratio with a 95.5 QB rating, 27 wins and one of the highest completion rates (68.5 percent) over that span. It’s particularly impressive considering he’s been one of the highest-pressured quarterbacks in the last three years, playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL.

Carroll is very familiar with what Smith can do and Las Vegas would offer him a chance to play behind a better offensive line. There have also been NFL rumors about the Raiders potentially signing wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who was just released by the Seattle Seahawks. If Seattle decides to trade DK Metcalf, it could result in a domino effect that leads to Smith also being traded.