Geno Smith’s new contract extension with the Raiders: This is his new salary, years and guaranteed money

The Las Vegas Raiders endured a difficult 2024 season, falling to a record of 4-13 and forced to rotate between Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder at quarterback.

This offseason they brought in Geno Smith from the Seattle Sounders to strengthen in that area but it wasn’t immediately clear whether he would be a starter. But on Thursday the Raiders announced a two-year contract extension for Smith, essentially confirming that he will be the starter going into the 2025 season.

The 34-year-old was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 after enjoying a surprise renaissance for the Seahawks. He remained the starting quarterback for the following two season but was convinced to move to La Vegas, where he now signs on improved terms.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Smith’s new deal is a $75 million two-year contract with $66.5 million in guaranteed payments. That gives Geno Smith’s contract an average annual value of $37.5 million.

Who will the Raiders draft?

After three consecutive losing seasons the Raiders were clearly in need of change in the offseason and the front office has moved to upgrade key pieces. Head coach Antonio Pierce was fired after 2024 season, with Pete Carroll coming in to replace him.

On the field Smith’s arrival seems to have sorted the quarterback position, leaving the team to focus on other areas in the NFL Draft.

“I think this almost clinches the fact that the Las Vegas Raiders will bypass a quarterback in the first round,” Schefter said. “Maybe they revisit it in an early round later on. But it’s hard to imagine that they go and give Geno Smith $75 million today, and then turn around three weeks later and draft a quarterback in the first round.”

The arrival of a 34-year-old starting quarterback on big money suggests that the front office is looking to build a ‘win-now’ roster but they have work to do at the draft to improve the team. The Raiders currently hold the 6th pick in the first round of the draft and they are tipped to select a running back, with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty reportedly a real candidate.

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