When the Las Vegas Raiders traded for Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, their goal was to bring in a quarterback capable of leading the franchise forward. Alongside his playing abilities, Smith has quickly become a crucial part of the coaching dynamic, impressing new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly during the team’s offseason workouts.
During the second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Kelly praised Smith’s unique role within the offense. Rather than just taking snaps, Smith contributes so much football knowledge and strategic insight that Kelly likens him to an additional assistant coach on the staff.
Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly’s Praise for Smith’s Football IQ
Kelly described the quarterback’s impact on the meetings and practice sessions, emphasizing how Smith’s ideas stimulate discussions and improve the offense. The presence of Smith alongside quarterbacks coach Greg Olson creates an environment rich with innovative concepts and collaborative planning.
Geno is literally like a second coach. When you’re in that room with him and [quarterbacks coach] Greg Olson, there [are] a lot of ideas going around. His football acumen is really off the charts, and it’s impressive to be around him.
—Chip Kelly, Offensive Coordinator
Smith’s Career Journey: Experience That Fuels Leadership
Geno Smith’s path through the NFL has been defined by resilience and growth. Selected 39th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Smith initially struggled to secure a starting role with the New York Jets. It was not until his third season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 that he earned a full-time starting job, subsequently earning Pro Bowl recognition twice.
Over 54 games with Seattle, Smith completed 68.5% of his passes, throwing for 12,961 yards, 76 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions, while also rushing for 833 yards and scoring five touchdowns on the ground. His time under Seahawks coach Pete Carroll helped revive Smith’s career and sharpen his leadership skills.
Smith’s Role in the Raiders’ Plans to Rebound
The Raiders, coming off a 4-13 season, are counting on Smith’s veteran experience and proven abilities to provide stability and direction to the team. His established relationship with Pete Carroll, now reunited, is viewed as an asset that could accelerate the Raiders’ progress in the upcoming season.
Smith’s combination of on-field skill and off-field leadership is set to be a cornerstone of the Raiders’ offense, reflecting Chip Kelly’s confidence in the quarterback‘s ability to shape the team’s future both as a player and a mentor on the field.