Las Vegas Bets Big on Geno Smith as Franchise Cornerstone
The Raiders have turned a bold page in their quarterback history by locking in Geno Smith with a fresh two-year, $75 million contract extension. It's not just about headline numbers—Smith's new deal ties him to Las Vegas through the 2027 season and is packed with $66.5 million guaranteed, plus performance-based incentives that could push the total as high as $85.5 million. That's real faith in a quarterback who, just a few years ago, many thought had already hit his peak.
The 34-year-old quarterback lands this windfall after arriving in Las Vegas from Seattle in March, costing the Raiders only a 2025 third-round draft pick in the trade. Even before this extension, Smith still had one year left on his old $75 million contract from the Seahawks—a deal that owed him a tidy $31 million. Instead of waiting, the Raiders moved quickly to sort out their future, putting an end to any whispers about instability under center.
Smith’s Revival and Reunion Boost Raiders’ Hopes
Last season, Smith put up eye-catching numbers: 4,320 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and an accuracy bump with a career-high 70.4% completion rate. It wasn’t just empty stats—the eye test matched the box score, with Smith making smart reads, keeping drives alive, and helping the Seahawks notch another winning record. Those performances reminded the league why he was the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after pulling off a storybook return as Seattle’s starter.
What’s new in Las Vegas isn’t just a fat paycheck. Smith gets another shot alongside head coach Pete Carroll, the mentor who turned Smith’s career around in Seattle. Together, they’re ready to import some of that Seahawks magic to the desert. Carroll’s confidence in Smith has always been obvious, going back to when the quarterback surprised everyone with a 4,282-yard, 30-touchdown performance in 2022, earning a Pro Bowl nod and silencing critics.
Smith’s re-signing instantly fixes the Raiders’ most pressing need: a reliable, durable, and proven leader behind center. For a franchise that’s spent years searching for consistency since the Derek Carr era, this is more than just a splashy signing. It’s new general manager John Spytek’s first big move, and it signals a clear plan—a long-term commitment that builds a stable foundation for the team’s future.
- Smith led the Seahawks to three straight winning seasons as their starter
- The extension means no quarterback controversy or short-term rental drama for Raiders fans
- With stability at quarterback, Las Vegas can focus on improving its roster elsewhere
So, while other teams might gamble in the draft or free agency, the Raiders are doubling down on a proven veteran who’s shown he can deliver—even when the odds looked long. For the first time in a while, Vegas has a real shot at building a winning identity around their quarterback extension—and Smith’s not betting against himself.
