The Las Vegas Raiders have officially secured their future by agreeing to a two-year contract extension with quarterback Geno Smith, valued at up to $85.5 million. As confirmed by both team and league sources, the deal has a base value of $75 million with an additional $10.5 million in performance-based incentives. Notably, Smith's contract includes a substantial guarantee of $66.5 million, ensuring he remains a Raider through the 2027 season. NFL Network was the first to break the news of this significant extension.
Last month, the Raiders made a strategic move by trading their lower third-round pick (No. 92) for Smith, who was entering the final year of his previous contract. It was widely anticipated that the team would finalize a new deal for Smith shortly after the trade. Following a $16 million roster bonus received on March 16, Smith's cap hit for 2025 increased to $31 million, making the extension essential to manage the team's financial strategy. With this new deal, Smith's contract essentially transforms into a lucrative three-year agreement worth $106 million, averaging an impressive $35.3 million annually, ranking him 17th among NFL quarterbacks.
During the NFL's annual league meeting, Coach Pete Carroll expressed confidence in Smith's abilities, stating, “Getting Geno was a really important part of this puzzle we’re putting together.” Carroll highlighted Smith's work ethic, resilience, and leadership qualities, stating, “He’s a great leader in that regard. He leads the guys by the way he takes to the game.” Smith's journey has been remarkable; after spending six years primarily as a backup, he has now established himself as a formidable starter, achieving three winning seasons and setting franchise records while playing for the Seahawks.
General manager John Spytek, who has not previously worked with Smith, developed a strong appreciation for his talent from afar. The combination of Carroll's familiarity with Smith and Spytek's admiration made the trade for the quarterback a straightforward decision. Despite the time it took to finalize the extension since the Raiders traded for Smith on March 13, it was always a priority for the organization. Spytek confirmed that the Raiders are still actively evaluating potential quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, keeping their options open.
The Raiders currently hold the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and sources indicate they are open to trading up or down. With multiple picks this year, including Nos. 37, 68, and 108, the Raiders have the flexibility to enhance their roster, whether by selecting a quarterback or addressing other key positions such as running back, wide receiver, or offensive tackle. Spytek emphasized that the team-building strategy remains unchanged despite Smith's extension, stating, “We could take one anywhere.”
At 34 years old, Smith led the Seattle Seahawks to a commendable 10-7 record last season, achieving impressive stats with a 70.4 percent completion rate, 407 completions, and 4,320 passing yards. Although the Seahawks expressed a desire to retain him, their offer fell short of Smith's expectations. The Raiders seized the opportunity to bring him aboard, especially after losing out on a trade for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
As the seventh quarterback to start for the Raiders since the departure of franchise leader Derek Carr in 2022, questions remain about how long Smith will retain the starting position. While he approaches the latter stages of his career, the Raiders must eventually identify their quarterback of the future. Carroll and Spytek are committed to building a competitive team, weighing their options strategically as they head into the draft.
The extension of Geno Smith signals the Raiders' commitment to a competitive future while also leaving the door open for strategic moves in the upcoming draft. With a talented quarterback at the helm, the Raiders aim to solidify their roster and make a strong push in the NFL. As the team continues to build, fans will be eager to see how these developments shape the future of the franchise.
