Big day for former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, as he hit the jackpot in Las Vegas. A little under a month after the Seahawks traded Smith to the Raiders in exchange for a third round pick, his new team has given him the contract he was seeking. Smith has agreed to sign a two-year contract worth up to $88.5 million, with $66.5 million fully guaranteed.
This is largely in line with what Over The Cap was predicting for the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
To be clear, it’s a two-year, $75 million extension worth up to $85.5 million for Geno Smith, who now cashes in in Las Vegas. https://t.co/K8Vuoyq2Iw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2025
There are a few thoughts that immediately come to mind upon reading this news:
First off, good for Geno! It is not often a player at age 34 (will turn 35 in October) will get a shot at one last mega-payday. It's even rarer for a player to even get an opportunity to ask for a payday when he was pigeonholed as a backup for so many years. Smith battled through plenty of adversity, overcame many narratives about him, proved he is a starting caliber quarterback in this league, and earned generational wealth as a result. Truly, good for him!
Second thought: the Sam Darnold contract is looking like even more of a bargain for the Seahawks. Darnold was given a three-year deal worth up to $100.5 million, but in reality, it's a one-year deal worth $37.5 million that Seattle can get out of at the conclusion of this coming season. If we're going off the $75 million number, then Smith will also be getting $37.5 million a year, like Darnold.
Geno Smith's 2 year, $75M ($37.5M APY) extension with the #Raiders makes him the 17th highest average paid QB in football.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 3, 2025
A reported $66.5M guaranteed ranks 17th.
If we're going off the $85.5 million it maxes out at, Smith will be paid more at $42.75 million. Essentially, Seattle will end up paying the same rate ...
