Some analysts suggested the Las Vegas Raiders may make Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders the sixth general decide of the 2025 NFL Draft, partly as a result of not too long ago acquired Geno Smith hadn’t yet obtained 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 concerning 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 totally assured at signing. That mentioned, the Raiders may 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 may 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 beneath present Raiders head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle. Extra not too long ago, Smith completed the 2024 common season ranked fourth within the NFL with 4,320 passing yards.
Nevertheless, Pro Football Reference reveals 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, would not need 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 vast 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 selections on a quarterback this spring.
Thus, Sanders may very well be there for the Raiders at No. 6 except a quarterback-needy crew leapfrogs Las Vegas within the draft order for the precise to seize the polarizing prospect.
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