The Raiders have found their quarterback in Geno Smith and every indication is that they are prepared to make a financial commitment to Smith beyond the 2025 season.
Smith is entering the final year of his contract, but according to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz, the Raiders view Smith as their “quarterback of the future” and the sides are expected to reach a deal on a contract extension.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Friday that Smith is seeking a contract extension worth $40-45 million per year and that would be in line with the $43 million valuation given to him by Spotrac.
The Raiders gave up a third-round pick for Smith and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them use their other third-round pick on a quarterback like Ohio State’s Will Howard.
It has been reported by several outlets that Tom Brady’s plan in Las Vegas was to sign a veteran quarterback and pair him up with a drafted rookie. Additionally, it was no secret in recent weeks that Brady and the Raiders were not enthusiastic about free agent options like Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks had not planned on trading Smith until contract negotiations broke down in the last week. Schefter said the Raiders threw their name into the mix in the last few days and the deal came together quickly.
Some might remember Seahawks GM John Schneider telling NBC’s Mike Florio at the NFL Combine that the Seahawks were not going to trade Smith.
A week later… here we are.
By no means should the presence of Smith in Las Vegas put the Raiders out of contention to draft a quarterback, but it probably lessens their chances of taking a quarterback in the first round.
The more time goes by, it seems like Shedeur Sanders might slide a little on draft day and the Raiders, if they want him, might have an opportunity to take him much later in the draft than anyone was predicting a month ago.
Still, keep an eye on Howard. If we’ve learned anything about the coaching staff in recent days, it’s that they prefer players they have familiarity with. Pete Carroll got his guy today. Maybe look for Chip Kelly to get his in round three of the draft.
x: @raidersbeat
Not impressed with this guy’s play, last season. I would have offered a 4th rounder, at best. Now, he’ll adversely affect our salary cap if they overpay for this middling talented QB. Not a great move by Brady&co.
I would let this play out, there is nothing for the Raiders to gain doing an extension now. Get through the draft, get in camp and see how the team fills out. I would go through next season, this might be a nice short term move, but committing to a journeyman? Any superbowl QB’s that were playing on their fifth team?
Extend a washed up bum?
Spytek is awful. This is trash.
Tom Brady really screwed the Raiders hiring this joke clown to be the GM.
Alex Cappa and Geno Smith.
Brutal. Awful. Horrible.
Grade: F-
Dillon Gabriel is a better option
Geno Smith. What about Gino Torretta.
Geno Smith is solid. It’s just that solid at QB doesn’t get you past KC or San Diego, and probably not past Denver either. There is also the chance that like the past two “solid” stopgap QBs have turned to, he falls flat on his face when he suits up for this franchise. The trade is fine. The contract is worrisome. They should still take a QB in the draft, including Ward or Sanders if available at 6.
The best part of the move is it removes some of the desperation factor for the team going into the draft and free agency.
I’m OK with it. Smith was legitimately good for a couple of his years in Seattle.