Raiders’ Difficult Season and Geno Smith’s Uncertain Future
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, where hopes and dreams can vanish as quickly as they appear, the Raiders’ 2024 season stands as a sobering reminder that optimism in professional football often comes with an expiration date. What began as a promising new chapter with the hiring of respected coach Pete Carroll and the acquisition of his former Seattle quarterback Geno Smith has deteriorated into a 2-10 record as December arrives. The disappointing campaign has naturally sparked questions about the team’s direction and, particularly, whether the 35-year-old Smith will remain part of the Raiders’ plans moving forward. Despite the struggles, insider reports suggest the veteran quarterback may still figure into the organization’s immediate future, though perhaps in a transitional capacity rather than as the long-term solution.
According to Hondo Carpenter of Sports Illustrated, speaking on the “Las Vegas Raiders Insiders” podcast, Smith appears likely to return next season based on conversations with sources close to the situation. This assessment might surprise fans who have witnessed Smith’s performance decline from his Pro Bowl years in Seattle. With 2,532 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a league-leading 14 interceptions, Smith’s efficiency metrics have dropped considerably across the board. His yards per game, yards per attempt, passer rating, and QBR have all fallen below the standards he established during his three-year renaissance with the Seahawks, where he twice earned Pro Bowl honors and revitalized his career after years as a backup.
The financial implications of Smith’s contract present both challenges and opportunities for the Raiders’ front office. Vinny Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal highlighted on Raider Nation Radio that Smith’s situation isn’t merely about salary cap considerations but involves “$18 million in cash that you have to pay him.” This substantial financial commitment, combined with the development needs of a potential rookie quarterback, suggests a scenario where Smith could serve as a bridge starter while mentoring his eventual replacement. As Carpenter noted, “I think they will probably bring Geno back to develop [a young quarterback],” indicating the organization might view Smith’s veteran presence as valuable during a transition period, even if he’s no longer performing at his peak.
The relationship between Smith and the Raiders’ faithful has grown increasingly strained as the season has progressed, culminating in an unfortunate incident following a particularly disappointing home loss to the equally struggling Cleveland Browns on November 23. As frustrated fans voiced their displeasure through boos, Smith responded with a derogatory gesture while leaving the field—a moment captured on camera that required a subsequent apology. This uncomfortable exchange symbolizes the broader disconnect between expectations and reality that has defined the Raiders’ season, leaving both players and supporters searching for answers amid mounting losses and declining performances.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders’ current record positions them for a high selection that could be used on a quarterback of the future. However, Bonsignore suggests this doesn’t necessarily mean an immediate change under center: “You draft a quarterback, Geno Smith becomes the guy that you roll into next year with until you feel like the rookie is ready to take over and then you hand over the reins to him. That might not be next year. It could be the year after that.” This measured approach would prioritize proper development over rushed transitions, potentially avoiding the pitfalls that have plagued other organizations when pushing rookie quarterbacks into starting roles prematurely.
The Raiders’ situation reflects the complex challenges of rebuilding in the modern NFL, where patience often conflicts with the immediate expectations of fans and ownership. After cycling through multiple coaching regimes and quarterback solutions in recent years, the organization faces difficult decisions about its identity and direction. While Smith’s future remains uncertain, the broader question concerns how the Raiders will balance short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. As they navigate these waters, the relationship between the team and its passionate fanbase hangs in the balance, awaiting signs that better days truly lie ahead in Las Vegas—a city built on promises of eventual payoffs for those willing to endure difficult stretches.
