The Las Vegas Raiders have made a major move at quarterback, acquiring Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks with the clear intention of keeping him for the long haul.
To the surprise of some, the team’s plan includes negotiating a contract extension for the veteran signal-caller.
Seattle parted ways with Smith largely due to financial considerations. The 33-year-old quarterback is entering the final season of his current contract and is set to earn $31 million in 2024.
Now with the Raiders, contract discussions between the franchise and Smith’s representatives are already underway.
“We’re working on it,” head coach Pete Carroll revealed at the NFL’s annual meetings. “Yeah, we’re working on it. G’s excited to get going, get started. He’ll be here when we get rolling. But we are working on it.”
Carroll, who spent five seasons coaching Smith in Seattle, made it clear that the Raiders didn’t acquire him as a temporary fix.
“Yes, absolutely. I’m hoping that’s the way it’s going to be,” Carroll said when asked if Smith was the long-term answer at quarterback.
Smith revitalized his career under Carroll in Seattle, posting a 17-15 record as a starter over the past two seasons. He earned two Pro Bowl selections while throwing for 7,906 yards, 50 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions in that span.
Carroll revealed that Smith was always part of his vision when he took the Raiders’ head coaching job earlier this offseason.
“He’s a great competitor,” Carroll said. “His conviction to believe in himself is why he is who he is. That’s why he’s stood through all of these challenges. He’s made it through it, and he’s ready to be on top of the world. He can do anything in this game.”
Now in Las Vegas, Smith will have the opportunity to prove exactly that – with the Raiders banking on him as their franchise quarterback.
Are you surprised that Carroll and the Raiders seem so dead-set on Smith as their long-term franchise quarterback?
Would they be better off drafting a quarterback and waiting to see how Smith plays next season before making such a significant commitment to him???
