The Las Vegas Raiders took a considerable step to shore up their quarterback position by acquiring veteran Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in March. The Raiders sent a third-round pick to Seattle and promptly signed Smith to a multi-year extension worth up to $85.5 million. It looked like Las Vegas finally had a short-term answer for the position on paper.
However, with the 2025 NFL Draft less than a week away, speculation continues to run rampant. The Raiders own the sixth overall pick, and some believe the franchise will still consider improving the quarterback position despite the large financial investment in Smith.
Geno Smith’s Arrival Doesn’t Rule Out Raiders Drafting QB
One name recently linked to the Raiders is former Colorado star Shedeur Sanders. According to NFL.com, Chad Reuter’s latest mock draft states that Las Vegas will select Sanders if he’s still on the board when the Raiders pick.
“Sanders to the Raiders makes all kinds of sense,” Reuter wrote. “Geno Smith’s new deal includes no guaranteed money after the 2026 season, per Over the Cap, potentially giving the team an out. Sanders would continue his relationship with minority owner Tom Brady and learn under Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly, giving the QB a chance to maximize his potential.”
Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Fame great Deion Sanders, has been linked to numerous teams in the draft’s first round in recent weeks. The New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers have all been rumored to be interested in Sanders’ signal-calling.
According to the latest PFSN mock draft, Sanders is projected to be selected by the Saints at No. 9 overall, while the Raiders are forecasted to draft defensive lineman Mason Graham out of the University of Michigan.
Speculation is one thing, but the Raiders are seemingly confident in Smith after the trade reunites him with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
Under Carroll, Smith experienced a career resurgence in Seattle, earning two Pro Bowl selections and winning the NFL’s 2022 Comeback Player of the Year award. But Smith is 34, and that’s why Sanders may be an attractive option for a franchise looking to win in the interim and prepare for the future.
The Raiders have had a revolving door at quarterback for the past two seasons. With Smith in the fold, if the team decides to add another quarterback, it will not be forced to thrust the rookie into action.
For his career, Smith has amassed 19,143 passing yards and 105 touchdowns, while Sanders produced 151 total touchdowns during his collegiate career.
