Before Thursday night’s preseason game, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith was involved in a tense exchange with a Seahawks fan. The incident occurred when Smith responded to a provocative sign by flipping off the fan. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who had a clear view of the situation, even attempted to grab the sign from the fan’s hands during the encounter.
The sign in question read: “Bigger Bust Geno or Jamarcus Russell?” The jab compared Smith to former Raiders quarterback Jamarcus Russell, widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. The pointed message clearly struck a nerve with Smith, prompting his obscene gesture before the game began.
Pete Carroll (NFL)
Carroll Stands by Geno Smith After Provocative Fan Sign Sparks Sideline Controversy
When asked about the incident on Sunday, Carroll openly defended his quarterback. He dismissed the criticism, rhetorically asking reporters, “Did you see what the sign said?” before moving on without further comment. His response suggested he felt the fan’s provocation justified Smith’s reaction, at least to some extent.
Jamarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in 2007, started just 25 games over three disappointing seasons before leaving the NFL. Geno Smith, a second-round pick in 2013, initially started two seasons for the Jets but spent seven years as a backup before becoming Seattle’s starter in place of Russell Wilson. Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby also flipped off the same fan, and both Smith and Crosby are reportedly facing league fines for their actions.
Geno Smith Brings Veteran Calm, Mobility, and Leadership to Revamped Raiders Offense
The Las Vegas Raiders are in their second week of organized team activities (OTAs), and newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith is already making a strong impression. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who has experienced instability at the quarterback position since entering the league, compared Smith’s presence to the consistency he once felt playing with Tom Brady. Meyers emphasized Smith’s steady demeanor and professionalism, highlighting the sense of calm and predictability he brings to the team.
Geno Smith Emerges as Trusted Leader and Dynamic Playmaker in Raiders Offensive System
Smith, traded from the Seattle Seahawks in March, has become a valuable asset not just on the field but also in the meeting room. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly praised Smith as a “second coach,” noting his extensive experience with multiple coordinators throughout his 11-year career.
Smith regularly communicates with Kelly after practices, contributing insights and helping shape the offense. This collaborative relationship underscores the mutual respect between player and coach, with Smith calling the opportunity to work with Kelly a “dream come true.”
Geno Smith (NFL)
Kelly also highlighted aspects of Smith’s game that are often overlooked, such as his mobility and quick release. Smith’s ability to extend plays with his legs and convert first downs on the ground adds another dimension to the Raiders’ offense.
Last season, Smith recorded 17 rushing first downs, a testament to his underrated athleticism. Kelly values Smith’s skill in making rapid decisions and getting the ball out quickly, traits that can be pivotal in Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme.
From Setbacks to Stardom: Geno Smiths Resilience Inspires Raiders Hopeful Future
Smith’s journey from a highly touted second-round pick with the Jets to a backup with multiple teams, and finally to a Pro Bowl-caliber starter in Seattle, has shaped his leadership style. Raiders coaches and players respect Smith not only for his football IQ but also for his resilience.
Kelly noted that Smith’s path makes him relatable to teammates, particularly those facing adversity. His leadership stems from firsthand experience with both early-career struggles and later-career success.
Looking ahead, Smith is optimistic about the Raiders’ future under head coach Pete Carroll and a promising group of young players. He expressed enthusiasm about working with offensive weapons like Meyers, tight end Brock Bowers, and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, whom he described as mature beyond his years. Smith’s goal is to help the team grow and realize its potential, expressing excitement to see how the pieces will come together during the regular season.
The Las Vegas Raiders have secured a two-year, $75 million contract extension with quarterback Geno Smith, which could reach $85.5 million through performance incentives. According to a source speaking with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal includes $66.5 million in guaranteed money.
Smith, who is now 34, is under contract with the Raiders through the 2027 season. This new agreement follows Smith’s previous contract with the Seattle Seahawks, where he had one year remaining on a $75 million deal.
Geno Smith’s Consistency and Performance Make Him Key Addition to Las Vegas Raiders
Over the past three seasons, Geno Smith has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league. Starting 49 out of 51 games, Smith ranks among the top quarterbacks for passing yards and completion percentage. Only Jared Goff and Josh Allen have started more games since 2022.
His completion percentage of 68% places him fourth, while his total passing yards of 12,226 also rank fourth. Smith’s performance has solidified him as one of the league’s most reliable signal-callers in recent seasons.
Geno Smith (NFL)
Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas was a key move for the Raiders, as the team struggled with quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell during the 2024 season. The Raiders traded a 2025 third-round pick to acquire Smith from the Seahawks.
His experience and solid performance in Seattle are expected to make an immediate impact, helping the Raiders compete under the new leadership of head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.
Geno Smith Sets Franchise Records with Seahawks in 2024, Earns Two Pro Bowls
In 2024, Geno Smith had a standout season with the Seattle Seahawks, breaking franchise records for passing yards (4,320) and completion percentage (70.4%). He also threw for 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions over 17 starts, helping the Seahawks achieve a 10-7 record, although they did not qualify for the playoffs.
Smith’s ability to lead the Seahawks to a competitive season, despite missing the playoffs, demonstrated his potential and value to any team.
Smith’s career with the Seahawks saw him earn two Pro Bowl selections, accumulating 8,641 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions across 37 games.
His success under coach Pete Carroll was notable, and Smith now becomes the fifth player in NFL history to set a franchise record for passing yards and then start the next season with a different team. While the Raiders have now secured their quarterback for the immediate future, there is still speculation about the possibility of the team drafting a quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft.
Geno Smith was limping badly after the game. His right knee, which he hurt the month before, and his hip were both in pain. “The guy’s barely walking at the end, fighting his *** off,” said Mike Macdonald, his coach, to the Seahawks in the locker room after giving Smith a game ball following the season finale.
Despite this, the 34-year-old quarterback broke two of Seattle’s records for passing yards in a season. Smith believes he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. When asked if he was confident the Seahawks view him the same way, he said, “Yeah, I am. Yes.”
The question then becomes whether the team will pay him like one. Smith had just finished his best game in his 12-year NFL career when he spoke on Sunday. It was another solid performance, mixing quick, short passes with a few deep throws.
He ended the game with a touchdown pass to tight end Noah Fant, who made an impressive leap and flip, with three minutes left in the season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith completed 20 of 27 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns, leading his Seahawks to a 30-25 victory over the NFC West champions. Smith earned three contract bonuses of $2 million each in that game.
After the game, about 45 minutes after his 12th NFL season ended with the Seahawks out of the playoffs for the second year in a row, Smith spoke at a podium. Bert Kolde, the team’s vice chair, sat in the second row, listening as Smith answered questions.
The questions were about Smith’s future and the Seahawks’ future. Smith explained how the season’s end made him feel like a kid. “It sucks today. Because…man, the season’s end is like the last day of school, and all your friends have gone away,” he said. “But I look forward to getting back to it.”
Smith has one year left on his contract with the Seahawks. In two months, the team has to decide whether to guarantee him $16 million for 2025, which is more than $3 million higher than what he made this season. On Sunday, Smith broke his team’s passing records for the season with 4,320 yards and a completion rate of 70.4%. Back in May, The News Tribune asked John Schneider, the Seahawks’ general manager, about the team’s long-term plans for a quarterback.
Geno Smith throws in the 1st half
“Are you being serious right now?” Schneider replied. “That’s a serious question? ‘What’s your long-term plan?’ Well, we just traded to get Sam Howell. He’s got two years left on his (rookie) contract. He’s, what, two years younger than a lot of these guys (quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class). Geno’s here. We have a really cool room right now.”
Eight months later, the question is still open. The Seahawks do not have a long-term quarterback plan. Smith’s and backup Howell’s contracts both end after the 2025 season. Howell, who was the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders in 2023, had a poor season, leading the league in interceptions while finishing with a 4-13 record.
After that, Schneider traded for Howell to be Smith’s backup. Howell is 10 years younger than Smith and hasn’t shown much promise in his limited chances this season. Nothing so far suggests Howell is ready to take over for Smith. After the season finale, Smith made his case for a new contract with the Seahawks beyond 2025.
“I love every one of my teammates, man. I love every part of this organization,” Smith said. “Man, I have a bright future. I think y’all can see that. And I believe we have a bright future together.” Smith also said that even after a second straight non-playoff season, finishing 10-7 with a rookie head coach and 22 new assistant coaches, he believes in the team: “I’m telling you man, this team is heading in the right direction.
This team is on its way. That’s with or without me. These guys in this locker room, these coaches, this organization, outstanding organization, and I believe in it. I believe the best of the best is going to happen for this team. I just want to continue to fight with these guys.”
Smith’s performance on Sunday earned him a $6 million bonus, which is how much he would make if he met three statistical goals he set in 2022. That was his first Pro Bowl and playoff season, and his first year as the starting quarterback after Russell Wilson was traded.
On Sunday, Smith reached all three benchmarks. His completion rate of 70.4% was better than the 69.8% he had in 2022, earning him a $2 million bonus. He also passed for 4,320 yards, which was more than his 4,287 from 2022, earning him another $2 million bonus.
Finally, the Seahawks won 10 games, one more than they did in 2022, which earned him another $2 million. Coach Mike Macdonald said he didn’t have to remind Smith to stay focused on the game over his financial goals. “Shoot, he’s the one driving it. He’s like, ‘I just want to go win,’” Macdonald said.
Geno Smith celebrates in the 1st half
“That’s all he cared about. He was awesome all week.” The bonuses mean that Smith is now set to earn a $16 million bonus in March, up from the $10 million he was scheduled to earn. The new money will be due if he’s still on the Seahawks roster by March 16, which is the fifth day of the new league year. This date is important for the team, as they will have to decide whether to keep Smith for 2025.
The decision on Smith’s future will come down to team chair Jody Allen, vice chair Bert Kolde, general manager John Schneider, and coach Mike Macdonald. They will have to decide by mid-March if they want Smith to be their quarterback, not just for 2025, but probably for 2026 as well.
To lower Smith’s salary-cap hit, which is currently set at $44.5 million for next season, the team might offer him a new, short-term contract, likely two years, through 2026. This would make his salary cap hit more manageable. Alternatively, the team could choose to move on.
They might opt to go with Howell, despite his shaky performance so far. They could also draft a quarterback, but with the 18th pick in the draft, the top quarterbacks who could help Seattle immediately will likely already be gone. Trading up for one of the top quarterbacks is unlikely, as Schneider has a history of trading down in the draft.
On Sunday night, Smith was asked about the important aspects of his contract negotiations with the Seahawks in the coming weeks. He didn’t give an answer, saying, “Those are things that I’ll talk to the people that I need to talk to about. I appreciate the question, but I like to keep a lot of things internally and in-house.”
An unfortunate hit ended quarterback Geno Smith’s night and could have serious consequences for the Seahawks’ playoff chances.
Smith left Seattle’s 30-13 loss to Green Bay on Sunday night after injuring his right knee. He was replaced by Sam Howell midway through the third quarter. The injury hurt the Seahawks’ attempt to come back and seriously affected their hopes for an NFC West title.
They are now tied for first in the division with the Los Angeles Rams, who had already beaten the Seahawks earlier this season and will host them for their final game of the season.
Smith will have scans done on Monday to find out the full extent of the injury.
“It’s tough,” linebacker Ernest Jones IV said. “Geno’s the heartbeat of this offense, the heartbeat of this team and one of our leaders. So obviously, you don’t want to see him get hurt. But we’ve got confidence in Sam, confidence in the guys behind him. So, I pray everything is OK with Geno. But we’ve got to be ready to go.”
Smith was injured by a low hit from linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who rolled over Smith’s leg. Smith tried to walk off the field but went down again. He got up and limped to the sideline, where he threw his helmet. A short time later, he walked to the locker room with trainers.
Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said it didn’t look like there was any serious damage to Smith’s right knee. Smith later returned to the sideline with an ice pack held in place by a bandage. Macdonald said the team thought about letting him return to the game, but a late turnover made it clear the game was out of reach.
Geno Smith throws in the 1st half
Howell, who was acquired in a trade with Washington in the offseason, completed 5 of 14 passes for 24 yards with one interception. He led one touchdown drive.
Smith entered the game ranking second in the NFL in attempts, completions, and passing yards. He was on pace to break all of Seattle’s single-season passing records, which he set last year.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Geno, and just watching him through his career how he’s reinvented himself,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “And he’s playing really good football — I mean, you’re not the second-ranked passing leader in this game for no reason.”
Before getting hurt, Smith struggled. He threw his fourth end-zone interception of the season, tying Jameis Winston of the Browns for the most in the league, when Carrington Valentine intercepted him late in the first quarter. Smith completed 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards and the interception, and Seattle was down 20-6 when he left the game.
Howell said he would be ready to play if needed when the Seahawks face the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.
“I prepare every week like I’m going to start,” Howell said. “But if I am playing, just getting those reps in practice will be important, and just getting the whole week to get ready to go will be a big thing and I’ve got to make sure I’m doing the right things to prepare myself for Sunday.”
Geno Smith expressed disappointment over the Seattle Seahawks’ decision not to start him on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he showed support for Drew Lock, who contributed to breaking the team’s four-game losing streak by throwing the winning touchdown in the final minute.
Regarding his potential start on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Smith stated on Thursday, “I would hope so.” Signs are pointing in that direction, with Coach Pete Carroll expressing optimism about Smith’s return this week. Smith has been listed as a full participant in both of the team’s practices, indicating positive progress.
Geno Smith
“I feel pretty good,” Smith said. “Still getting better.” Last week, Smith was a limited participant due to a groin injury suffered on December 7, which caused him to miss the game against the San Francisco 49ers. Drew Lock took the starting role and prepared for the Eagles game with the first team, leading the Seahawks to believe he would start again.
However, Smith surprised the team with his pregame workout, causing Coach Carroll to second-guess the decision not to start him. Despite feeling ready to play, Smith understood the decision was made for the team’s best interests and his own well-being. He took the news hard but remained focused on supporting his teammates.
During the Eagles game, the ESPN broadcast captured Smith celebrating with Lock on the sideline after Lock threw a game-winning 29-yard touchdown pass. Despite competing for the starting job last offseason, Smith and Lock have developed a close relationship.
Smith described the moment as “awesome” and expressed excitement for Lock’s success. He praised Lock’s performance throughout the game and was thrilled to witness the team’s victory on “Monday Night Football” against a formidable opponent.
The Seahawks are dealing with several injuries, including nonparticipants Ken Walker III (shoulder), Devon Witherspoon (hip pointer), and Jamal Adams (knee). Safety Julian Love, who replaced Adams and had two interceptions against the Eagles, missed practice for the second straight day due to the anticipated birth of his child this week.
Geno Smith is dealing with a groin ailment that should keep him out of action for around two weeks. The Seahawks quarterback wants to play despite the injury, but sources told ESPN on Saturday that a decision about his availability for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers is anticipated to be made during pregame warmups.
Drew Lock will take over as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback in the event that Smith is unable to play. According to ESPN sources, Smith is officially labeled as doubtful for the game, and there are no assurances that he will feel good enough to take part in pregame warmups.
Geno Smith (Credits: CBS Sports)
Smith will also get an additional day to get ready for the Seahawks’ next “Monday Night Football” game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 18 if he cancels Sunday’s game.
Smith is determined to play through the injury despite his tough character, but there are doubts about his capacity to do so, a source said. During practice on Thursday, Smith “tweaked his groin a little bit” after tripping over someone, according to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who made this comment on Friday. Carroll answered the question of whether Smith will likely play on Sunday with a circumspect “we’ll see.”
The Seahawks acknowledged the genuine prospect of missing Smith on Sunday as they landed in San Francisco on Saturday night, expressing cautious and apprehensive thoughts. This season, Smith has also struggled with triceps and knee problems. On Thursday, he was restricted in practice and did not play on Friday. Carroll said it would be important to decide whether to let Smith train on Sunday before the game.
Following Smith’s groin injury on Thursday, it was revealed that he was still in the process of healing from a triceps contusion suffered during the game against the Rams on November 19. Smith acknowledged progress in his recovery but mentioned before practice that his arm was far from reaching the 100% mark.
The Seahawks took precautions, knowing that Smith would be out of the lineup for the next away game in San Francisco. In order to add more depth at the quarterback position, quarterback Sean Mannion was added to the practice squad on Friday and formally added to the roster on Saturday. In 2021, Mannion participated in team training after having been a member of the Seahawks’ practice squad the previous season.
Lock has only played 25 plays this season after being acquired by the Seahawks in March 2022 from the Broncos in exchange for Russell Wilson. After Smith was awarded the starting role in the summer of last year, he did not play in the regular season. Taking over for the injured Smith in his two brief appearances this season, Lock completed 4-of-12 passes for 66 yards and threw an interception.
The possibility remains open for Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to participate in Thursday night’s matchup against the 49ers. However, another crucial offensive component for Seattle, running back Kenneth Walker III, is less likely to take the field.
The Seahawks released their Wednesday injury report, designating Smith as questionable due to an elbow/triceps injury suffered during Sunday’s game against the Rams. Despite the setback, Smith returned for the final drive, contributing to the team’s 17-16 loss. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll expressed optimism on Monday about Smith’s availability, stating, “I’m thinking he is” when asked on Wednesday.
NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Smith has been progressing positively in recent days, and as of now, there have been no changes to his status for the upcoming game.
Geno Smith
In the last game, Smith showcased resilience, completing 22 of 34 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown, helping the Seahawks establish a 16-7 lead. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough, as a missed 55-yard field goal attempt by Jason Myers sealed the team’s defeat.
On the other hand, the outlook is less promising for running back Kenneth Walker III, who sustained an oblique injury in the first quarter against the Rams. While Carroll indicated that Walker might not require a stint on injured reserve, his availability for the upcoming week remains uncertain.
Smith has faced challenges this season, marked by two separate injuries that sidelined him in previous games. After an impressive performance with 30 touchdowns in 17 games last season, he has thrown for only 12 touchdowns in 10 outings this year, with reduced completion percentages and passing averages.
Despite Smith’s career year in the previous season, the Seahawks were unable to overcome the 49ers in all three meetings in 2022, including a wild-card playoff game. In those encounters, Smith threw three touchdowns, completing 74% of his passes, but also had three turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble).
Walker III has been a vital force for the Seahawks, leading the team with 621 rushing yards and six rushing scores. In his absence, rookie Zach Charbonnet took over against the Rams, rushing for 47 yards on 15 carries and catching six passes for 22 yards. Additionally, rookie Kenny McIntosh is anticipated to make his professional debut, as stated by Coach Carroll earlier in the week.
Geon Smith had just returned to the NFL in 2022. He has led the Seahawks to the playoffs match. Smith was a quarterback on the team. Seahawks team were 2-1 in the upcoming 4th week of Monday Night Football Showdown against the New York Giants. But suffered from an injury while tackling.
Geno Smith led the New Yorkers in the half quarter on Monday. In the middle of the game, he got a knee injury and had to exit the game in between. While landing awkwardly during tackling. Injury has been a game-changer for the Seattle Seahawks team.
The quarterback faces a setback, and the Seahawk team finds themselves navigating the game with this unforeseen situation. There have been diverse changes in the Seahawks team. They have found themselves in a position to prove their capability in adversity times. The tackle ended with the Simmons landing directly on the Smith’s legs. So, he began to limp.
Giants (Credits: Big Blue View)
Will Smith Return?
Seattle team announced that Smith’s return is questionable after being tackled by Giants linebacker Isiah Simmons. Geon Smith was taken under immediate medical supervision. However, the backup quarterback, Drew Lock, replaced Smith. The reporter there was also not sure what the injury was.
Smith was the Seahawk team’s beginning quarterback after Rusell Wilson. He had completed 399 out of 572, 4,282 yards, and 30 touchdowns. Drew Lock was one of the former Broncos and shifted to Seattle as part of the Nilson Trade.
Lock led the Seahawks to a touchdown drive to maintain the lead of 14-3 in the Second quarter. Before the exit, Smith had completed 9 out of 11 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown.
Injuries history
Smith had suffered a Grade 3 ACL tear during the 2016 Week 7 game against the Baltimore Ravens team. It was an expensive injury, as the Jets placed him on injured reserve. He also lost his beginning role to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
After the season, he signed the New York Giants as Eli Mannings’s backup. Geon Smith’s first NFL injury occurred in August 2015. With Jets defensive end player Ezempali. He had his jaw fractured and went through an operation. Four years later, Smith also suffered from knee patella.
The Seahawks are known for their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. It also faced the difficult task of navigating through the remainder of the game without the starting quarterback. In the adversity times, a silver lining came. The team’s roster depth came to the forefront as the backup quarterback.
The resilience showcased by the Seahawks after Smith’s injury highlights the importance of team sports. It is not always about the one famous player but the collective effort. to remain committed to the common goal. The camaraderie among the players shined through as they rallied together. Each player contributed to the team’s unexpected rise.
As the game progressed, the Seahawks depicted their mixture of skills, determination, and strategic powers. It surprisingly caught the fans and opponents. Sports unpredictability is what makes it appealing to watch. They turned an unfortunate incident into a chance to showcase their depth, versatility, and ability to overcome under pressure.
