Geno Smith’s transition from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders marks a significant chapter in his career. The Raiders acquired Smith in exchange for a third-round pick, aiming to revamp their quarterback lineup for the 2024 season. This trade follows the team’s struggles with multiple quarterbacks, including Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew II, and Desmond Ridder.
Geno Smith’s Contract and Salary with the Raiders
Upon joining the Raiders, Smith’s existing contract will remain in effect. Initially, he signed a three-year deal with the Seahawks worth up to $105 million. This contract includes a base value of $75 million and $27.3 million fully guaranteed at signing. With his impressive performance during the 2022 season, where he recorded 4,282 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, Smith earned the Comeback Player of the Year award.
Contract Details and Salary Expectations
The Raiders will absorb Smith’s current contract, which will impact their salary cap by $44.5 million come 2025. Reports suggest he may sign a new deal with the Raiders worth between $40 million and $45 million annually. If he secures a $45 million deal, Smith would rank among the top quarterbacks in the league.
- Current Contract: Three years, up to $105 million
- Guaranteed Amount: $27.3 million
- Projected New Contract: $40-45 million per year
Performance Insights
During the 2024 season, Smith ranked 15th among NFL quarterbacks, according to the PFSN’s QB+ metric. He threw for 1,701 yards, achieving 11 touchdowns alongside 11 interceptions while maintaining a 67.2% completion rate. Despite these numbers, the Raiders’ quarterback statistics have lagged, averaging -0.05 EPA per dropback over the past two seasons.
- 2024 Stats: 1,701 passing yards, 11 TDs, 11 INTs
- Completion Percentage: 67.2%
- EPA per Dropback: -0.05 (Raiders’ QBs)
Comparison with NFL Peers
If Smith secures the upper end of his projected contract, he will join notable quarterbacks in average annual salary. Currently, the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback is Dak Prescott at $60 million. Other top earners include:
- Joe Burrow: $55 million
- Jordan Love: $55 million
- Trevor Lawrence: $55 million
- Tua Tagovailoa: $53.1 million
- Brock Purdy: $53 million
- Jared Goff: $53 million
Overall, Geno Smith’s trade to the Raiders represents a fresh opportunity for both him and the team. His performance in Las Vegas will determine the trajectory of his contract and the future of the Raiders’ quarterback situation.
