Signing Geno Smith to an extension was something that the Las Vegas Raiders had to do. And, not really because they wanted to, even though they did, but more so because they were forced to. And, regardless, they got their QB for the next few years.
However, signing the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback doesn't drastically change their 2025 NFL Draft plans. Before the Smith extension, and even before they traded for him, the Raiders were likely going to target a quarterback at the beginning of the draft, likely at pick No. 6.
And now, while that doesn't seem as evident, they may still target a quarterback in the draft. Smith is only on contract for this year, and two more after that. However, his deal would be an easy one to get out of, with a potential out after the 2026 season with $0 in dead cap for that season, according to Spotrac.
So, yes, a quarterback in this draft class, one to sit behind the 34-year-old and develop, would be ideal. It would not be ideal to do that in the first round. Regardless, the Raiders are proving that their draft plans haven't changed much.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the Raiders would have visits with several players this week, specifically four quarterbacks.
This week, the Raiders are set to visit with Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, Texas QB Quinn Ewers, Ohio State QB Will Howard, and Louisville QB Tyler Shough. One of those is a guy who will likely go in Round 1 in Sanders, but the rest are all guys that will likely be Day 3 picks, whether that's Round 4 or Round 7.
Sanders, Ewers, and Howard are all younger quarterbacks that can be developed, and are guys that could easily sit behind Smith and even Aidan O'Connell for a few years. But Shough, he is already 27, so you have to feel like what he is now is basically what he's going to be. Of course, that statement could be completely wrong, but that's how it feels.
The Raiders, regardless, are going to try and draft a QB.
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