Geno Smith’s recent contract extension effectively locks him into the 2025 starting role. Could the Raiders add a quarterback this year, with the intent to let him compete with Smith in 2026? Yes, they certainly could, and doing so gels with Pete Carroll’s mantra of facilitating competition at all positions, at all times. While Cam Ward is all but guaranteed to have been drafted when the Raiders pick at No. 6, they could have their pick of the remaining quarterback class.

The max value extension includes $66.5 million in guarantees and ties him to the franchise through the 2027 season. Many had their doubts about the longevity of Smith in Las Vegas but it now appears the team will treat him as their clear starter for the coming three seasons before forced to address the position again. It’s a definite boost to the fantasy value of second-year phenom tight end Brock Bowers considering Smith’s hefty career tight end target rates.

Smith is entering the final year of his deal and declined an offer from the Seahawks shortly before the team moved him to Vegas. The 34-year-old signal-caller will be a lock to start for the Raiders this season, but he could also serve as a reliable bridge to whoever the Raiders add in the draft to be their eventual franchise QB. Keeping Smith in tow for the next few seasons would bode well for both parties in the short and long term.