Raiders Sign Geno Smith to Two-Year, $75 Million Extension Amid Free Agency Year

The Las Vegas Raiders are playing it safe with their new quarterback. With Geno Smith approaching free agency, the team has reportedly extended him for two years and $75 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith, 34, was traded to the Raiders in March and was originally set to make $14.8 million in 2025 before becoming a free agent. While it's unclear when the extension takes effect or if it impacts his 2025 salary, it ensures Smith will remain with the Raiders through the 2027 season.

Smith’s new deal could potentially reach $85.5 million, with $66.5 million guaranteed, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. This marks another huge contract for Smith, who had been on the verge of becoming a career backup before reviving his career in 2020.

After being selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Smith started for the Jets when Mark Sanchez was injured. He struggled in his rookie year, throwing 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His performance improved slightly in his second year, but he was benched in favor of veteran Michael Vick. Injuries and a locker room altercation in 2015 sidelined him further, and he spent a limited amount of time in 2016.

Smith spent 2017 with the New York Giants, where he started one game before being benched for Eli Manning. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018 but threw just four passes. His career took a turn when the Seattle Seahawks signed him in 2019, though he didn't see any game action. He was re-signed as Russell Wilson's backup and eventually became Seattle’s starting quarterback in 2022 after Wilson was traded. Smith exceeded expectations, leading the league in completion percentage and throwing 30 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance.

Smith's strong performance led to a three-year, $105 million extension with the Seahawks, but the team decided to move in a different direction at quarterback in 2024, trading him to the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Seahawks quickly signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract. Though Smith's new deal with the Raiders keeps him with the team for the near future, his role as the starting quarterback is not guaranteed for the next three seasons, especially with the Raiders holding the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They may consider quarterbacks like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders if they remain available.

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