Sports
Raiders Extend Geno Smith for Two Years in $85.5M Deal

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have secured quarterback Geno Smith with a two-year contract extension worth up to $85.5 million, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on April 3, 2025. The deal guarantees Smith $66.5 million and keeps him under contract through the 2027 NFL season.
Smith, 34, was acquired by the Raiders from the Seattle Seahawks last month in exchange for a third-round draft pick. His new contract comes at a pivotal moment for both Smith and the franchise as they look to recover from a disappointing 4-13 season.
In the 2024 season, Smith set a franchise record for passing yards with 4,320 and boasted a completion rate of 70.4%, while throwing 21 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. Despite the impressive statistics, the Seahawks did not make the playoffs.
This extension elevates Smith among the highest-paid quarterbacks, averaging $37.5 million per year, placing him in the top 20 for quarterback salaries in the league. Coach Pete Carroll described Smith as an “immediate fix” to the Raiders’ quarterback struggles from last season.
Raider management stated earlier this week that they were finalizing an extension for Smith. General Manager John Spytek confirmed that while they are committed to Smith, they will continue to explore their options for the upcoming NFL Draft, including the possibility of selecting another quarterback.
Smith’s record over the past three seasons establishes him as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. He ranks fourth in completion percentage and first in off-target percentage, showing his ability to deliver accurate throws consistently. Conversely, the Raiders’ current quarterback options have ranked 25th and 23rd in those statistics, respectively.
Under Carroll in Seattle, Smith made two Pro Bowl selections and earned the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022, highlighting his transformation into a reliable starter after an earlier career filled with challenges.
The Raiders are optimistic that Smith’s presence will stabilize their offense, which struggled last season with a rotating cast of quarterbacks, including Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby expressed enthusiasm about Smith’s signing, stating, “Geno’s a baller and exactly what we needed for this team. It starts with the work and commitment.”
Aside from securing Smith, the Raiders have also made primary acquisitions this offseason, including former Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Alex Cappa and ex-Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert. These moves aim to fortify the offensive line and provide Smith with a more resilient support system.
Defensively, the Raiders have signed former Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their roster ahead of the 2025 season.
As the Raiders prepare for the NFL Draft, they hold the sixth overall pick and are evaluating potential quarterback prospects. Smith’s recent extension provides a reliable base for their future strategy, whether they draft a rookie quarterback to develop under his guidance or look for immediate support.
With Smith at the helm and several new acquisitions, the Raiders are aiming for a resurgence in the highly competitive AFC West division.