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The Las Vegas Raiders have officially committed to quarterback Geno Smith with a two-year contract extension projected at $75 million. This decision secures Smith’s services well beyond the 2025 season, according to multiple sources.
This offseason, the Raiders traded for Smith, reuniting him with his former head coach from the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll, who assumed leadership in Las Vegas. This partnership signals the Raiders’ intention to build around Smith, a seasoned player who has faced criticism yet shown resilience throughout his career.
At 34 years old, Smith had one year remaining on his Seahawks contract prior to the trade, leading many analysts to speculate if he would serve merely as a transitional quarterback until the Raiders could draft a younger player to take the reins. However, the recent extension indicates that the Raiders view Smith as a pivotal part of their future.
The deal primarily includes $66.5 million in guaranteed money, with the total value potentially increasing to $85.5 million depending on performance incentives. This financial commitment reflects the organization’s confidence in Smith as they strive for a playoff berth.
With this agreement, Smith is under contract with the Raiders until the conclusion of the 2027 season. In 2025, he will continue under the $31 million deal inherited from his Seattle contract. To acquire Smith, the Raiders sent a third-round draft pick to Seattle ahead of the free agency market opening.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks have turned to Sam Darnold to fill the void left by Smith. Darnold is now positioned to become Seattle’s franchise quarterback moving forward. The Raiders, on the other hand, have been in the market for a reliable quarterback after the previous shared duties between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell did not yield the desired results in 2024. Minshew has since signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a backup to Patrick Mahomes.
Minshew’s exit left O’Connell with an opportunity to secure the starting role, but inconsistency during his first two NFL seasons raised questions about his readiness. By bringing Smith onboard, the Raiders enhance their chances of competing in the challenging AFC West division.
Smith enters this new chapter following an impressive season with the Seahawks, where he not only set a franchise record for passing yards in a single season at 4,320 but also achieved a remarkable completion rate of 70.4 percent. Although he threw for 21 touchdowns, he will be eager to minimize his 15 interceptions in the upcoming year.
Despite an overall record of 10-7, the Seahawks narrowly missed the playoffs last season, but the organizational confidence in Smith remains strong. Carroll knows what Smith can deliver—he was a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback during their time together at Seattle. After enduring setbacks with previous teams, including his tenure with the New York Jets, Smith has found renewed focus and effectiveness as a lead quarterback.
The Raiders are optimistic that Smith’s experience along with the right support can lead to success in Las Vegas. This extension signifies the organization’s belief that Smith is not merely a short-term solution, but a critical component of their future strategy.
As the Raiders gear up for the next season, they will look to capitalize on Smith’s skills and experience, with hopes of reclaiming a position in the playoffs. The partnership between the veteran quarterback and the Raiders’ coaching staff promises an exciting season ahead.
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