Smith made some confounding errors last season, especially in the red zone where he threw a league-high four interceptions, but he also didn't get much help from his coaches or offensive line. The Seahawks ranked near the bottom of the league in run rate, pre-snap motion, play-action passes and snaps under center, continually putting the burden on Smith and his receivers. Smith's career high of 4,320 yards was built on volume (578 attempts, 4th in NFL), and while he's an accurate passer, his 78.7 on-target percentage (2nd) was inflated by an average target depth that fell to a three-year low of 7.2 yards, perhaps suppressed in part by a late-season quest to earn a salary bonus for completion percentage (6.6-yard aDOT in his last five games). He got the bonus (career-high 70.4 completion percentage) but missed the playoffs and finished with his most interceptions (15) since his rookie year. That's how it went. The Raiders traded for him in March and gave him the contract the Seahawks refused, reuniting Smith with coach Pete Carroll, his biggest champion. Smith won't get as many attempts in Las Vegas, as Chip Kelly's offense will run through rookie RB Ashton Jeanty, and there aren't many weapons in the passing game. Brock Bowers is arguably the best pass catcher among NFL tight ends, but Jakobi Meyers is underqualified as a No. 1 WR and won't have much help unless second-round pick Jack Bech develops quickly. The mediocre weapons and likelihood of decreased volume mean Smith probably won't match last season's QB14 finish, but he should stay relevant in two-QB leagues.
