Former Raiders rival thinks Geno Smith is overrated

The Las Vegas Raiders are expecting much better quarterback play in 2025, as the team acquired Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to be the new starter.

Smith, who led the Seahawks to three winning seasons and was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and 2023, will look to elevate the Raiders into playoff contenders under first-year head coach Pete Carroll. However, a former Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro doesn't think Smith is as good as advertised.

During a recent appearance on The GM Shuffle podcast, former Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz basically called Smith overrated.

"They trust Geno Smith and trust is important. Now I think Geno is not as good as people want him to be. I mean, they love the redemption story about Geno, but he just he was good for about eight weeks," Schwartz said.

Smith didn't have the best 2024 campaign, as he posted just 21 passing touchdowns and struggled with turnovers, tossing 15 interceptions.

Though the rise in interceptions in 2024 compared to previous years is concerning, Smith did play behind a shuffling offensive line, and he also didn't receive much help from his rushing attack.

The 34-year-old signal-caller is in a fantastic position to have a productive season with the Raiders in 2025. Smith will get to throw to All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and savvy veteran receiver Jakobi Meyers, and having Ashton Jeanty in the backfield is also a major benefit. Additionally, the offensive line, led by left tackle Kolton Miller and center Jackson Powers-Johnson, should also be solid.

Smith may not be a high-level starting quarterback, but he definitely isn't overrated and is the best starting signal-caller Las Vegas has had since Derek Carr.