Former Chiefs Great Mitchell Schwartz Doesn’t Hold Back
Mitchell Schwartz, the ex-Kansas City Chiefs starting right tackle and four-time All‑Pro, recently delivered some pointed remarks about newly acquired Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. Speaking on The GM Shuffle podcast, Schwartz made it clear his confidence in Smith is lukewarm. Though the Raiders swapped a third-round pick to bring in Smith after a turbulent 2024 season, Schwartz believes that symbolic win may not translate to consistent performance.
Smoke & Mirrors on Geno’s Track Record
Schwartz acknowledged the narrative that built up behind Smith—highlighting his comeback story, two Pro Bowl nods, and 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. But he cautioned against overrating those accomplishments. “They love the redemption story about Geno,” Schwartz said, before delivering a withering critique: “he just … was good for about eight weeks.” In his view, Smith flashed excellence briefly, but didn’t sustain that level over an entire season.
This statement raises eyebrows considering Smith’s notable recent achievements: a career-high 4,320 passing yards in 2024 and a reputation for accuracy and consistency under pressure. It’s this particular trait—consistency—that Schwartz questions most.
Why Schwartz’s View Matters
Schwartz isn’t just anyone—he anchors a Super Bowl-winning Chiefs offensive line and earned All‑Pro honors multiple times. He’s intimately familiar with competing at the top in the AFC West, so his opinion carries weight. The division’s quarterback talent is elite—think Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert—making any gap in consistency even more glaring. Schwartz’s remarks reveal a belief that Smith may fall short of elite expectations when most needed .
He further noted that while Smith peaked early in Seattle, he hasn’t regained those high-performance levels in recent seasons. In his words, Smith “has not been the same player since.” Schwartz adds that the Raiders had limited options—they had to choose someone—but that doesn’t mean Smith will meet all expectations.
Reality vs. Reputation
Despite Schwartz’s skepticism, Smith does come with a strong résumé. Between 2022 and 2024 he threw for roughly 12,226 yards, 71 touchdowns, and finished top‑five in completion percentage and yardage among NFL QBs. Pro Football Focus even ranked him as a top‑10 quarterback heading into the move to Las Vegas. The stats show he helped lead Seattle to multiple winning seasons and playoffs—something Schwartz may be dismissing as front-loaded performance.
What’s at Stake in Las Vegas
The Raiders delivered a clear statement by trading a third-round pick and giving Smith a two-year, $75 million extension. General Manager John Spytek and Coach Pete Carroll backed onto an offensive overhaul, banking on Smith’s intelligence, cohesion with Carroll, and mentorship ability. Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly has even called Smith “literally like a second coach,” highlighting his cerebral impact.
Still, Schwartz warns that if Smith replicates past inconsistency, Las Vegas may be pressed to win eight or nine games instead of becoming true contenders.
Broader Context: AFC West Pressure
The AFC West is a brutal proving ground. Adding Smith boosts the division’s depth of quarterbacks, giving the Raiders a more credible starter—if he performs to expectations. But Schwartz’s critique highlights a potential weak link: a QB who can perform brilliantly, but might fade when it matters most.
Final Takeaway
Schwartz’s critique essentially boils down to this: Smith’s peak was real, but short-lived—lasting about eight weeks. That’s not enough to build sustained dominance. For the Raiders, believing in his regression is risky. If Smith can defy Schwartz’s assessment and deliver consistency, Las Vegas looks like a team poised to challenge. If not, they risk slipping back under .500 and underachieving once again.
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