HENDERSON, Nev. – The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move by agreeing to a two-year, $75 million contract extension with veteran quarterback Geno Smith. The deal, reported by a source close to the negotiations, includes incentives that could potentially increase the total value to $85.5 million, with $66.5 million guaranteed.
Smith, 34, was previously with the Seattle Seahawks before being traded to the Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. His arrival in Las Vegas comes after the team faced quarterback struggles in the previous season with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell.
With Smith now on board, the Raiders are looking to turn things around under the leadership of head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek. Smith’s impressive performance in 2024, where he set franchise records for passing yards and completion rate with the Seahawks, has raised expectations for his role with the Raiders.
The seasoned quarterback’s accuracy and experience are seen as valuable assets for the Raiders, who have been lacking in completion percentage and off-target throws compared to other teams in recent seasons. Smith’s track record also includes two Pro Bowl selections under Coach Carroll in Seattle.
Carroll has expressed confidence in Smith’s abilities, dubbing him an “immediate fix” for the Raiders’ quarterback situation. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of drafting a quarterback in the upcoming months, keeping options open for the team’s future.
Smith’s journey from the Seahawks to the Raiders marks a significant moment in his career, becoming one of the few quarterbacks in league history to set franchise records and then transition to a new team. The move reflects the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where players and teams continuously seek the best fit for success.
As the Raiders gear up for the upcoming season with Smith at the helm, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for the team. With a talented quarterback like Smith leading the way, the Las Vegas Raiders are aiming to make a mark in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
