Some analysts suggested the Las Vegas Raiders might make Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders the sixth total decide of the 2025 NFL Draft, partly as a result of lately acquired Geno Smith hadn’t yet acquired a contract extension from the Raiders.
That modified on Thursday when reports claimed that Smith and the Raiders had agreed to a two-year, $85.5M extension, together with $66.5M assured.
On Friday, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio shared how the precise particulars of Smith’s deal depart the door barely cracked relating to the Raiders presumably drafting Sanders.
“Per a supply with information of the phrases,” Florio defined, “Smith’s 2025 compensation elevated from $31M to $40M. …The contract carries $58.5M absolutely assured at signing. That stated, the Raiders might nonetheless pull the plug or commerce the contract after one season. Since [Smith] presumably wouldn’t play in 2026 for complete compensation of $18.5M, the Raiders might in the end owe him nothing past the $40M he’ll make in 2025.”
Smith earned NFL Comeback Participant of the 12 months Award honors for the 2022 season whereas taking part in underneath present Raiders head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle. Extra lately, Smith completed the 2024 common season ranked fourth within the NFL with 4,320 passing yards.
Nevertheless, Pro Football Reference exhibits that the signal-caller, who turns 35 in October, additionally ended Week 18 ranked twenty second amongst certified gamers with a 53.8 adjusted QBR. Solely two quarterbacks tossed extra interceptions than Smith (15 picks over 17 video games) for the season.
These numbers present why some are convinced that Raiders minority proprietor Tom Brady, who already has a relationship with Sanders, does not wish to decide to Smith past the 2025 season.
Whereas issues can change, it appears that the Cleveland Browns (decide No. 2) and New York Giants (No. 3) each have Colorado large receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter ranked forward of Sanders on their draft boards. In the meantime, the New England Patriots (No. 4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 5) aren’t spending first-round decisions on a quarterback this spring.
Thus, Sanders could possibly be there for the Raiders at No. 6 except a quarterback-needy staff leapfrogs Las Vegas within the draft order for the correct to seize the polarizing prospect.
