In a recent ranking of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, John Kosko of Pro Football Focus (subscription required) listed former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith as number 10. That is a fairly high ranking, especially considering Kosko wrote, "(Smith) protects the football and has a knack for generating big-time throws."
Part of that is true, and part of that is not. Smith is a boom-or-bust quarterback. He can make fantastic and breathtaking throws, but that can be true even with his mistakes. Example A would be his performance in Week 9 of the 2024 season when Smith threw three touchdown passes and three interceptions.
It could be argued that his performance in the game ultimately cost the Seahawks a playoff spot. The contest went to overtime, but Seattle might have won the game with better quarterback play. The Rams and Seahawks each finished 10-7, but had Seattle won in Week 9, they would have been one game better.
Seahawks are likely better off for trading quarterback Geno Smith
Smith's three-year stay as Seattle's QB1 was problematic. He proved he had elite arm strength and excellent accuracy, but he could also make a bone-headed throw. Like in Week 9 against the Rams, these often came in the red zone.
Now, 12s and the Seahawks' offensive coaching staff do not have to worry about Smith. He requested to be traded this offseason as he felt Seattle would not pay him high dollars once his contract was up after 2025. General manager John Schneider obliged and moved Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Smith is likely happily teamed with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. May they both be happy in Las Vegas unless they are playing the Seahawks.
In one of his first appearances in the Raiders' organized team activities (OTA), Smith reminded all Seahawks fans why the team is probably better off with free agent acquisition Sam Darnold. Smith will throw great passes for the Raiders, but he will toss passes as he did in Las Vegas OTAs.
According to Tashan Reed, a Raiders beat reporter for The Athletic, a nearly full attendance at OTAs saw Smith drop back and throw a ball to safety Jeremy Chinn for an interception. Seahawks fans might have PTSD from the play, but that is relieved by the fact that Smith is gone.
Instead, Geno Smith is Pete Carroll's problem again. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald can rest more easily knowing his new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, and his new QB1, Sam Darnold, have worked well together once. Seattle's future looks bright. The Raiders' future is likely full of untimely Geno Smith interceptions.