The Las Vegas Raiders’ acquisition of Geno Smith on March 13th was a calculated move, bringing in a quarterback viewed as an upgrade over Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. However, the situation is nuanced. Smith’s contract runs only through his age-35 season, adding a layer of uncertainty. While both head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek express confidence in securing a contract extension, the absence of a signed deal leaves Smith’s presence as a potential one-year arrangement.
Adding to the intrigue is the Raiders’ evolving draft strategy, particularly concerning the quarterback position. Recent insights suggest that the team remains open to selecting a quarterback in the early rounds of the upcoming draft. “Despite 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,” reported The Athletic’s Tashan Reed.
Las Vegas Raiders Remain Open To Drafting QB In 1st Round
Spytek’s comments during the annual league meeting further fueled this speculation. “From a team-building standpoint, I don’t think it changes our approach at all,” Spytek stated. “We’re deep into the evaluation of the quarterbacks in this class, and we’re going to stay in that. … We could take one anywhere.”
With Miami quarterback Cam Ward projected to be selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders emerges as a potential target for the Raiders at the sixth pick. Sanders, who has openly expressed interest in playing for Las Vegas, could benefit from learning under Smith and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
The potential for Sanders to slide down the draft, coupled with his expressed interest in the Raiders, makes this scenario intriguing. The prospect of Sanders learning from a seasoned veteran like Smith and a respected offensive coordinator provides the Raiders with confidence in their quarterback development.
Should Smith’s contract extension remain unresolved as the draft approaches, the speculation surrounding Sanders and the Raiders is likely to intensify.