Raiders’ New Quarterback Joins the Team, but His Future Remains Uncertain
The Las Vegas Raiders have added a new quarterback to their roster, but it’s unclear how long he’ll remain with the team. When the Raiders acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks, they did so without securing a new contract agreement.
Although he’s been with the Raiders for nearly a month, he has yet to be formally introduced at a press conference. With only one year left on his current deal, he appears reluctant to play without a contract extension.
While an extension still seems likely, there is speculation that he may refuse to take the field until a new deal is finalized, according to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed.
“Smith is entering the final season of the three-year contract he signed with the Seahawks in 2023,” Reed wrote on March 31. “Although he received a $16 million roster bonus on March 16, his $14.8 million salary for 2025 is not guaranteed. According to league sources, it’s unlikely Smith would play without a new contract.”
A potential holdout before ever playing a snap for the Raiders could create a major issue for the team as they prepare for the 2025 season. However, it’s difficult to envision the situation escalating to that point.
Pete Carroll & John Spytek Weigh In
Smith has the backing of head coach Pete Carroll, who coached him in Seattle and remains a strong advocate. Carroll confirmed that contract discussions are ongoing.
“We’re working on it,” Carroll said Monday at the annual league meeting. “G’s excited to get going and get started. He’ll be here when we get rolling, but we are working on it.”
Carroll also spoke as if Smith is expected to lead the team for the foreseeable future.
“Geno is a solution for us right now, and he’ll be here for a while,” Carroll said. “We expect to get several good years out of him at his best. He’s healthy, focused, and more prepared than ever. But that doesn’t mean we won’t consider young quarterbacks with high potential.”
General manager John Spytek echoed Carroll’s sentiment regarding Smith’s contract situation.
“We’re looking forward to having him here, not just for this season, but for the years ahead,” Spytek said Monday. “Once we get everything settled, he’ll be around. I’m confident we’ll reach an agreement soon.”
While Smith may not be a long-term franchise quarterback, the Raiders seem to view him as their starter for at least the next two to three years.
Raiders Still Considering Drafting a Quarterback
Although Smith is expected to start for the Raiders in 2025, the team is still open to selecting a quarterback in the upcoming draft, per Reed.
“Even after trading for Smith, the Raiders remain open to drafting a quarterback as early as the first round of the 2025 draft, according to league sources,” Reed reported.
If Smith finalizes a new deal before the draft, it’s unlikely the Raiders would use their top pick on a quarterback. However, if negotiations remain unresolved by draft time, the situation could take an interesting turn.
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