JUST IN: Good News As Raiders Receive Alarming Leak About Geno Smith’s Contract Situation
Geno Smith is currently with the Las Vegas Raiders, but it’s unclear how long that will last. When the team traded for him from the Seattle Seahawks, no new contract was finalized.
Smith has been with the Raiders for almost a month but has yet to hold an introductory press conference. With only one year left on his contract, he doesn’t seem interested in playing on an expiring deal.
While an extension is likely, he may consider holding out and not playing for the Raiders until a new deal is in place, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic.
“Smith is in the final year of a three-year deal he signed with Seattle in 2023,” Reed wrote on March 31. “Despite receiving a $16 million roster bonus on March 16, none of his $14.8 million salary for 2025 is guaranteed. League sources suggest Smith is unlikely to play without a new contract.”
If Smith were to hold out before even taking the field for the Raiders, it could cause major issues for the team, potentially derailing their plans for the 2025 season. However, it’s hard to envision that scenario playing out.
Pete Carroll & John Spytek on Smith
Smith’s situation may be aided by the support of head coach Pete Carroll, who worked with him for years in Seattle. Carroll expressed confidence that the two sides are still negotiating a deal.
“We’re working on it,” Carroll said at the annual league meeting on Monday. “G’s excited to get going, and he’ll be here when we get started, but we are working on it.”
Carroll also indicated that Smith would be the quarterback for the foreseeable future.
“Geno is an immediate fix for us, and it’s going to last,” Carroll continued. “We’re going to get several years from Geno at his best. He’s healthy, tuned in, and ready to go, but that doesn’t mean we’re not looking at other guys with great potential.”
General Manager John Spytek shared similar sentiments regarding Smith’s contract.
“We’re looking forward to having him, not just for this year, but for the years ahead,” Spytek said on Monday. “Once everything is in place, he’ll be around. I’m confident this will be resolved soon.”
While Smith may not be the long-term solution at quarterback, it’s reasonable to expect the Raiders want him to be their starter for at least the next two to three years.
