Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or C.J. Stroud

Monday, March 10, 10:23 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders surprisingly acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks last Friday in exchange for a third-round pick in this year's draft and are now likely to reward him with a long-term contract extension that he was hoping the Seahawks would give him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The addition of Smith doesn't necessarily mean the Raiders won't take a rookie signal-caller with the seventh overall pick in this year's draft, but it's probably much less likely now that they've addressed the most important position in football for the foreseeable future. The 34-year-old Smith was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and 2023 in Seattle and threw for 4,320 yards, 21 TDs and 15 interceptions in 17 games last year. He is going from a receiving corps of DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett to Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers, so it's a downgrade in terms of weapons. Depending on what else the Raiders do in free agency and the draft, Smith profiles as a midrange QB2, at best, heading into 2025.

Saturday, January 18, 7:36 PM

Quarterback C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans spent most of the Divisional Round under pressure, completing 19 of 28 passing attempts for 245 yards with neither a touchdown or a turnover in his team's season-ending defeat at Kansas City on Saturday. The Chiefs were able to get the best of Houston's offensive line, sacking the sophomore quarterback eight times and impacting a number of other throws as Houston managed only one touchdown. Though he limped off late in the game, Stroud did re-enter for the final drive. It was a largely disappointing year fantasy-wise for last season's Rookie of the Year, but he has now led Houston to a division title and a Wild Card victory in both of his first two seasons. Houston's offense goes into the offseason with needs on the offensive line and for a No. 2 receiver, as Tank Dell (knee) could be unavailable through 2025 and Stefon Diggs is a free agent.