The Las Vegas Raiders don't want to take any chances with their new quarterback. With Geno Smith a year away from free agency, the team reportedly signed him to a two-year, $75 million extension Thursday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Smith, 34, was acquired by the team in March. He was set to make $14.8 million in 2025 before hitting the free-agent market after the season. It's unclear when Smith's new extension kicks in, or if it will impact his 2025 salary, but it does ensure he'll stick with the Raiders through the 2027 NFL season.
Smith can make up to $85.5 million as part of the new deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Raiders guaranteed Smith $66.5 million with the extension. It's another massive deal for Smith, who was on the path to becoming a journeyman backup before resurrecting his career in 2020.
It took Smith quite some time to find his footing in the NFL. After being selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Smith was named the team's starter after Mark Sanchez went down with an injury. Smith struggled as a rookie, throwing 12 touchdowns against 21 interceptions in 16 games.
Smith showed slight improvement during his second season, but was benched in games in favor of veteran Michael Vick. Smith finished with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions during an uneven second year in the NFL.
He was expected to start for the team in 2015, but sustained a fractured jaw during a preseason locker room fight with IK Enemkpali. By the time Smith returned, Ryan Fitzpatrick had taken hold of the starting job. Injuries limited Smith to just two games in 2016.
Smith spent 2017 with the New York Giants. He started one game before being benched in favor of Eli Manning. Smith's one start broke a 210-game starting streak by Manning. After the season, Smith signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. He threw just four passes with the team in 2018.
Geno Smith revives career with Seahawks
The Seahawks took a shot on Smith in 2019, but he didn't see action in a game. The team actually released Smith that August, but were able to re-sign him to back up Russell Wilson. Smith returned to the team for both the 2020 and 2021 NFL season, but appeared in just five games during that period.
Smith re-signed with the team ahead of the 2022 season with the intention of being Seattle's starting quarterback after the team traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos. Smith exceeded all expectations, leading the league in completion percentage while throwing for 30 touchdowns. That performance earned Smith his first-ever Pro Bowl nod.
Smith was set to hit free agency that offseason, but signed a three-year, $105 million extension to stay in Seattle. He made the Pro Bowl again in 2023 and threw for 21 touchdowns against 15 interceptions in 2024.
The Seahawks opted to go a different direction at quarterback in the offseason, trading Smith to the Raiders. Seattle found his replacement quickly, signing Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal.
While Smith's new deal keeps him in Las Vegas in the short-term, there's no guarantees he remains the team's starter for three more seasons. The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and would almost certainly have interest if Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders were still on the board.
