The Las Vegas Raiders rolled the dice on Geno Smith this offseason, hoping the veteran quarterback could bring stability and spark to their offense. Reuniting with head coach Pete Carroll, with whom he shares a strong bond from their Seattle Seahawks days, seemed like a match made in football heaven. However, the 2025 season has been a rude awakening for the Silver and Black, with Smith struggling mightily and whispers of a potential quarterback shakeup growing louder.
Geno Smith, now 35 and in his 13th NFL season, has not lived up to expectations in Las Vegas. His nine interceptions lead the league, a glaring stat that highlights his struggles with decision-making and field vision. Despite his experience, Smith has looked out of sync, unable to replicate the magic he found during his resurgent years in Seattle. The Raiders’ offense, expected to take a step forward under Carroll’s guidance, has instead sputtered, leaving fans frustrated and the team searching for answers.
While the Raiders aren’t ready to pull the plug on Smith just yet, the pressure is mounting. Carroll, known for his ability to rally a team, risks losing the locker room if the losses pile up and the turnovers continue. Smith, to his credit, is trying to stay grounded amidst the storm. “You’ve got to be a mature adult about your emotions,” Smith said in a recent press conference. “This is what we do, not exactly who we are. For everyone dealing with mental health, I’d advise them to seek counseling, find someone to talk to, and do your best to manage your emotions.”
His candid words reveal a veteran trying to navigate adversity, but they also underscore the weight of the situation. Turning around the Raiders is proving to be a Herculean task, and Smith’s struggles are putting his starting role in jeopardy.
With Smith faltering, the Raiders are reportedly exploring their options, and a familiar name has surfaced: Russell Wilson. According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Raiders could be in the mix to trade for the New York Giants’ quarterback, who has fallen out of favor in the Big Apple. Wilson, a former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion under Carroll in Seattle, could be an intriguing—if unexpected—solution.
“The primary reason Wilson might draw interest? He’s cheap,” Knox noted. With a base salary of just $2 million, Wilson represents a low-risk, high-reward option for a team desperate to stabilize its quarterback position. The Giants, who have handed the starting reins to rookie Jaxson Dart, are unlikely to demand a steep price for Wilson, making a trade feasible for Las Vegas.
But would Wilson truly be an upgrade? At 37, he’s no longer the dynamic playmaker who once terrorized defenses with his legs and deep ball. His recent performances have been inconsistent, and he hasn’t looked like a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback in years. While Wilson might not turn the ball over as frequently as Smith, he’s also unlikely to ignite the Raiders’ offense with game-changing plays.
If the Raiders decide to bench Smith, they might be better served turning to their younger quarterbacks rather than chasing a veteran like Wilson. Backup Kenny Pickett, though unproven and lacking the spark to inspire confidence, offers a glimpse of untapped potential. Similarly, Cam Miller, another young arm on the roster, could benefit from live game reps. With the season slipping away, giving a younger quarterback a chance to grow could align better with the Raiders’ long-term vision.
A trade for Wilson, while cost-effective at $2 million, doesn’t address the bigger picture. The Raiders’ $10.5 million investment in Smith (a figure that includes his base salary and bonuses) was meant to provide stability, but his struggles have forced the team to confront a harsh reality: a quick fix might not be enough. Wilson’s familiarity with Carroll’s system could ease a transition, but his ceiling at this stage of his career is limited.
Despite the mounting criticism, Smith remains focused on turning things around. His comments about mental health and finding balance outside of football highlight a player who understands the bigger picture. “You never want to put all your eggs in one basket,” he said. “A lot of guys struggle to transition after football because we devote so much time to this.” His maturity and self-awareness are commendable, but they may not be enough to save his starting job if the interceptions continue.
For now, Carroll and the Raiders are standing by their quarterback, but the clock is ticking. A trade for Wilson could be a low-cost gamble, but it’s hard to see it moving the needle significantly. The Raiders’ best path forward might be to ride out the storm with Smith, develop their younger quarterbacks, and reassess their options in the offseason.