Step two of the Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback plan for the next several seasons is complete.
Just a month after trading for him, Las Vegas has agreed to terms with Geno Smith on a two-year extension worth a maximum of $85.5 million with $66.5 million guaranteed, ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday. Smith is now under contract through the 2027 season.
The deal marks Smith's second big extension since 2023 when he signed a three-year, $105 million deal in the wake of a career revival during his opening season as the Seattle Seahawks' starter.
His redemptive 2022 campaign, one in which he led the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøwith a 69.8 completion percentage, took place under then-Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
After hiring Carroll as head coach in January, Las Vegas examined the QB market in search of an upgrade before coming to a trade agreement with Seattle on March 7 to land the 34-year-old signal-caller, who had been unable to come to an agreement on an extension with the Seahawks.
Smith joined the Silver and Black with one year remaining on his contract, in need of another extension to cement him as a longer-term QB1 while he and Carroll attempt to reboot the Raiders in an AFC West ruled by the Kansas City Chiefs for the past nine seasons.
Given the pair's prior working history, Smith is well worth such a commitment in the mind of his new employer.
In two seasons as a full-time starter under Carroll (2022-23), Smith threw for 7,906 yards, 50 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, good enough to make his only two career Pro Bowls and win 2022 ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøComeback Player of the Year.
He was also plenty serviceable this past season, even as Carroll looked on from a senior advisory role rather than a coaching one.
Smith is coming off a year that produced several career highs, including a 70.4 completion percentage and 4,320 passing yards. He experienced issues with turnovers, throwing 15 interceptions to 21 touchdowns, but some of his mistakes can be chalked up to playing behind an offensive line that struggled to provide him adequate time to operate. Seattle tied for the third-most sacks allowed (54) in the league and finished with .
The Raiders didn't fare much better; they allowed 50 sacks, tied for seventh-most, and placed 26th in the same PFF ranking.
Las Vegas will need to remedy such woes for its investment in Smith to pay dividends. The wide receiver room -- currently led by Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker -- also requires some attention.
Nonetheless, Smith and the Raiders are now bound to each other beyond 2025, with all eyes on restoring the team to greatness after just a pair of playoff trips over the past two decades.
