The buzz in Las Vegas is all about Geno Smith and the Raiders’ efforts to keep him around a bit longer. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll confirmed they’re actively working on extending Smith’s contract. Riding high on his recent performance, it seems Smith is eyeing a substantial payday, somewhere in the realm of $40-$45 million annually, as shared by insider Dianna Russini.
Smith’s journey back with Carroll in Las Vegas came after a trade move that sent a third-round pick to Seattle. Now 34, Smith’s been around the NFL block since the Jets scooped him up in the second round of the 2013 draft. His early years saw him completing a rookie contract worth just over $5 million, leading to a $2 million one-year stint with the Giants in 2017.
Smith had a stopover with the Chargers in 2018 before linking up with the Seahawks a year later. After signing a series of one-year contracts, he finally secured the starting position in 2022 and subsequently inked a lucrative deal with Seattle. That three-year, $105 million extension included a fully guaranteed base salary of $12.7 million last year, with an upcoming $14.8 million slated for 2025.
Smith’s 2024 season stats tell the story of a quarterback in fine form, as he took the field for 17 starts with a completion percentage of 70.4%. He racked up 4,320 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, while also showcasing his mobility with 272 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns.
Raiders fans are eagerly awaiting more news as Smith and the team navigate this pivotal contract negotiation. This extension could solidify Smith’s role as a cornerstone of the Raiders’ future, potentially reshaping their game strategy for the coming seasons. Stay tuned as we keep an eye on every development from the Las Vegas camp.
