NFL Exec Says Geno Smith Gives Raiders 'Instant Credibility' After Seahawks Trade

At least one NFL executive believes the Las Vegas Raiders gained "instant credibility" under center by trading for former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith earlier this offseason.

"Geno gives them instant credibility at the position, and Pete and Geno seem to have good chemistry together, so it's a good way for both of them to start," an anonymous NFL team executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The executive continued, "I figure they will look to draft a quarterback in the next few years, but for now they have an answer."

Smith reportedly agreed to a two-year extension, which is worth up to $85.5 million and will keep him under contract through 2027, shortly after his trade to Las Vegas.

The Raiders are likely hoping that contract will give them multi-season quarterback stability for the first time since the Derek Carr era.

Neither Gardner Minshew II nor Aidan O'Connell managed to win the full-time starting job as they struggled with injuries last season.

Minshew has since left in free agency to join the Kansas City Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes' backup, while O'Connell is on track to serve as a second-string option behind Smith during his third season in Las Vegas.

Smith ranked fourth in the NFL with 4,320 passing yards last season as he led the Seahawks to a 10-7 record.

The quarterback told The Athletic's Ted Nguyen in May that his experience learning new systems under changing offensive coordinators in Seattle would help him adjust to working with new OC Chip Kelly in Nevada.

"Won’t give too many details, but we’re looking to be explosive and efficient," Smith said in May.

Raiders fans will get another look at their new offense with Smith when the team returns for training camp in July.