Raiders projected to trade up for dynamic star quarterback as Geno Smith heir apparent

The Las Vegas Raiders addressed the quarterback position this offseason with a massive move, acquiring Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. The two-time Pro Bowler will be a massive upgrade over Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell for Las Vegas, but there's still a chance the team will be in the quarterback market this offseason.

Along with trading for Smith, the Raiders gave him a new deal that lasts until the end of the 2027 season. However, there is a potential out on Smith's contract after 2026, which puts some pressure on the veteran signal-caller to make an immediate impact in Las Vegas.

Even if Smith ends up being a solid starting quarterback for the Raiders, he will turn 35 in October, so the franchise should start thinking about the future of the quarterback position sooner rather than later. Pro Football Network's Mark Stolte predicts Las Vegas will trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft and select South Carolina signal-caller LaNorris Sellers to be Smith's eventual replacement.

"Sellers’ ability to avoid defenders and extend plays will have scouts drooling. Even better, the Las Vegas Raiders still have Geno Smith, which gives Sellers time to develop before taking over," Stolte wrote.

Sellers had a solid 2024 campaign for South Carolina, tossing 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions with 2,534 passing yards and a 65.6% completion rate. The 19-year-old also added 674 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

Though he is still a raw prospect and isn't a fully developed passer, Sellers' dynamic skillset makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level. The SEC Freshman of the Year has all the tools necessary to flourish in the NFL, as he possesses excellent size at 6-foot-3 and nearly 245 pounds and has legitimate dual-threat abilities.

Selecting Sellers to sit and learn behind Smith for a season would be a savvy move by the Raiders. Smith would be a fantastic mentor for the young signal-caller and get him ready to take the reigns in 2027.

MORE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS NEWS

Raiders trade pitch pairs Brock Bowers with $68 million star playmaker

Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett's starting chances are in big trouble

John Spytek makes surprising admission about Raiders' quarterback search