Geno Smith Secures $75 Million Extension, Becomes Raiders’ Franchise QB

HENDERSON, Nev. — It’s official: Geno Smith is the face of the Las Vegas Raiders—for now and the near future.

The 34-year-old quarterback just signed a two-year, $75 million contract extension with the Raiders, locking him in through the 2027 NFL season. According to reports, the deal includes up to $85.5 million in potential earnings and comes with $66.5 million guaranteed. Not bad for a guy who was once counted out of the league altogether.

This isn’t just a big payday. It’s a big statement. The Raiders are betting that Geno is the right guy to lead them into a new era under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.

And honestly? It makes a lot of sense.

From Uncertainty to Franchise Quarterback

If we go back just a couple years, few would’ve predicted this kind of moment for Geno Smith. After bouncing around the league as a backup and facing endless doubts about whether he’d ever start again, Smith finally broke out in Seattle in 2022. That year wasn’t a fluke either—he kept the momentum going.

Over the past three seasons, Smith has started 49 out of a possible 51 games. Only Jared Goff and Josh Allen have made more starts during that stretch. His numbers are even more impressive: 12,226 passing yards (4th in the NFL), a 68% completion rate (also 4th), and the league’s best “on-target” passing percentage. Translation: Geno has been one of the most accurate quarterbacks in football.

Last year alone, he set franchise records in Seattle for both passing yards (4,320) and completion percentage (70.4%). He threw 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions and led the Seahawks to a 10-7 record, even though they missed the playoffs.

Still, Seattle decided to hit the reset button. They moved on from Smith and signed Sam Darnold to a massive $100.5 million deal—paving the way for Smith to be dealt to Las Vegas for a 2025 third-round pick.

Now, he’s getting a fresh start. And a familiar face is waiting for him.

Reuniting with Pete Carroll

One of the most interesting parts of this story? Smith is reuniting with Pete Carroll, who coached him during his Pro Bowl runs in Seattle. Carroll is now running the show in Vegas and made it clear he wanted his guy back under center.

At the NFL’s annual meetings last week, Carroll called Smith an “immediate fix” to the Raiders’ quarterback struggles. And he wasn’t wrong.

Las Vegas spent most of 2024 trying to survive offensively with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell splitting reps. The results were as rough as you’d expect. Raiders quarterbacks ranked 25th in completion percentage and 23rd in off-target throws—well below league average.

Smith doesn’t just bring better numbers. He brings leadership, confidence, and stability to a team that badly needs it.

Not Just a Bridge QB Anymore

This extension tells us something important: the Raiders don’t see Geno as just a stopgap. They’re investing in him as a core piece of their offense—at least for the next couple of years.

It also gives them the flexibility to ease in a rookie quarterback if they choose to draft one later this month. Carroll hasn’t ruled that out, but there’s no pressure now. With Smith in place, they can draft for value instead of desperation.

And let’s not forget—Smith is now the fifth quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to set a single-season passing record for a team and then start the next year on a different squad. The others? Jameis Winston, Jay Cutler, Ken Stabler, and Bob Berry. Not exactly everyday company.

Numbers Behind the Deal

Let’s talk money. The $75 million extension is hefty, no doubt. But $66.5 million of that is guaranteed, showing how committed the Raiders really are. That kind of guaranteed money puts Smith among the upper tier of quarterbacks—not just backups who happened to get a chance.

And when you compare the deal to other recent contracts around the league, it’s clear the Raiders believe Smith gives them a competitive edge in a division filled with superstar QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.

What also helps? The structure of the contract allows the team to spread the cap hit over a few seasons, giving them room to build the rest of the roster around their veteran quarterback.

Why It Works for Both Sides

For Smith, this deal is the ultimate redemption arc. After spending years waiting for another opportunity to start, he finally got it in Seattle and delivered. Now, he’s getting rewarded for that patience and perseverance.

For the Raiders, it’s a low-risk, high-reward scenario. They get a proven leader with elite accuracy and experience in the system Pete Carroll wants to run. They don’t have to throw a rookie into the fire or take a huge swing on an unproven player.

And from a locker room standpoint? Smith is a guy players respect. He’s battle-tested. He’s earned everything the hard way. That kind of story carries weight, especially with younger players.

Source: Source: Raiders, QB Geno Smith reach two-year, $75M extension

What’s Next for the Raiders

Now that Smith is locked in, the Raiders can focus on other roster needs during the draft. They’ve got holes to fill at offensive line, cornerback, and wide receiver, but they’re no longer panicking about the quarterback spot.

Don’t be shocked if they still take a QB late—someone they can develop behind Smith—but there’s no longer a sense of urgency there.

Instead, the focus shifts to building a complete team around their veteran signal caller. One that can actually make noise in the AFC.

The Bigger Picture

It’s wild to think about how far Geno Smith has come. From the chaos in New York, to being overlooked by half the league, to now being one of the most accurate and efficient quarterbacks in football—it’s a journey few players survive.

But here he is. Cashing in. Taking over a team. Reuniting with the coach who helped revive his career.

And maybe, just maybe, helping the Raiders get back to relevancy.

For a franchise that’s been searching for stability at quarterback since Derek Carr’s peak years, Smith might just be what they’ve been waiting for.

Not a flashy rookie. Not a desperate trade. But a seasoned pro who knows what it takes—and has the numbers to back it up.

Final Thoughts: Raiders Found Their Guy—for Now

Whether Smith finishes his career in Vegas or not, this deal is a win for both sides.

It gives the Raiders a real shot at competing in the AFC West again, and it gives Smith the long-term security he’s worked his entire career for.

More importantly, it gives fans something they haven’t had in a while: hope that the offense won’t be stuck in neutral.

Geno Smith may not be the flashiest name on paper. But right now, he’s exactly what the Raiders need.

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