The Raiders locked in quarterback Geno Smith to a multi-year contract extension on Monday.

Here’s a statistical look at Smith’s three seasons as the starter in Seattle and what he brings to the table for the Raiders.

Consistency and durability

When asked what he hopes Smith will bring to the locker room, “stability” was the first word that came to Head Coach Pete Carroll’s mind.

“He’s going to bring us great stability and belief in the kinds of things that we stand for,” Carroll said Monday. “His habits are so stellar. The way he works, the way he looks at the game, the way he looks at the challenges of it all, is exactly in line with the way we think. And so, he’ll represent us in magnificent fashion. I think it gives us instant stability in a crucial spot.”

The Raiders have had five different quarterbacks start games over the last two seasons. General Manager John Spytek and Carroll are hoping Smith brings that quarterback carousel to a halt. Since becoming the Seahawks’ full-time starter in 2022, Smith is tied with Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes (49) for the third-most games played by a quarterback. Only Jared Goff (51) and Josh Allen (50) have appeared in more.

But he didn’t just play, he won, too.

Smith won 10 games in 2024, helping Mike Macdonald become the winningest first-year head coach in Seahawks history. He logged four game-winning drives last season and has authored 12 game-winning drives since 2022, the second most in the NFL. Smith’s 27 wins as a starter from 2022-24 rank sixth among all quarterbacks.

In one of the most surprising yet strategically sound moves of the NFL offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders have signed veteran quarterback Geno Smith, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks. The decision sent ripples across the league, not because of its headline-grabbing drama, but because of its quiet brilliance.

Earlier this offseason, analysts speculated that one of the most shocking stories would be a starting quarterback switching teams — and now it’s happened. Geno Smith, who spent the last few seasons resurrecting his career in Seattle, has found a new home in Las Vegas. And while this isn’t the blockbuster move fans often crave, it might be the smartest one yet.

Smith reportedly turned down a chance to return to the Seahawks, prompting the team to move on. In stepped the Raiders, who saw an opportunity to address their most pressing need: quarterback stability. With the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, the Raiders are now in a far more flexible position — no longer forced to reach for a QB if the right prospect doesn’t fall to them.

“It’s all about flexibility and stability,” said a league analyst on The Rich Eisen Show. “If the quarterback you love falls to you, great. If not, you’ve got a proven veteran who can run the offense and keep the team competitive.”

That’s exactly what Geno Smith represents. While he may not be a perennial MVP candidate, Smith has become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL by “nerd stat” standards — top 10 in metrics like EPA per dropback. He’s the very definition of “solid-plus.”

And that’s something the Raiders sorely lacked in 2023.

Last season, Las Vegas struggled at quarterback, lacking both production and leadership under center. With new head coach Antonio Pierce now looking to establish a long-term foundation, the addition of Smith gives the Raiders a steady hand who commands respect in the locker room.

“Seattle didn’t win a Super Bowl with him, but Geno kept the ship afloat and made them a threat at times,” one NFL insider said. “He’s someone players can rally behind, and that’s what the Raiders need as they begin a new era.”

There’s also the strategic advantage: the Raiders can now wait and see how the draft unfolds. They aren’t locked into taking a quarterback at No. 6. They can build around Smith, or trade down if the value is right. Teams like the Jets, Giants, Vikings, or Steelers — all quarterback-needy — might be willing to pay a premium to move up.

And let’s not forget the price tag. Acquiring Geno cost the Raiders just a third-round pick, a bargain in today’s market for a starting quarterback. Combine that with the re-signing of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, and it’s clear the Raiders are laying down real building blocks.

This move also takes the pressure off the coaching staff. Pierce gets a quarterback he knows and trusts, and the organization avoids the chaos that can come from quarterback uncertainty — something fans in New York, Pittsburgh, and even Minnesota are all too familiar with.

Of course, the goal isn’t just to compete — it’s to win championships. And while Smith might not be the long-term answer, his presence creates a bridge to the future without sacrificing the present.

In a league where desperation often leads to bad decisions, the Raiders have done the rare thing: made a calm, calculated move that sets them up for success — not just this year, but potentially for years to come.

Bottom line?

Las Vegas just went from “QB desperate” to “QB stable.” That’s a win in itself.