How Geno Smith’s Raiders Extension, Joe Milton Trade Impact 2025 NFL Draft

With a trade and a contract extension, the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders made notable quarterback moves that can directly impact the 2025 NFL draft.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys acquired Joe Milton III and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Dallas reportedly wasn't the only team that showed interest in Milton, and the other clubs that missed out on him may pivot to a developmental signal-caller in the draft.

Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll gave us the heads-up that the team was working on an extension for Geno Smith, and it happened on Thursday.

The Raiders' new deal with Smith could dictate how Carroll and Co. approach the draft, specifically in the first round.

Let's break down five draft implications from Milton headed to Dallas and Smith's extension.

Cowboys Can Remove Backup QB from Their Draft Needs List

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QB Joe Milton III

The Dallas Cowboys lost reliable backup quarterback Cooper Rush to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. Because of Dak Prescott's recent injury history, missing 14 games over the last three seasons, they needed an experienced veteran or a signal-caller with intriguing potential.

In six seasons, Will Grier has started in just two games. As a rookie, Joe Milton III didn't start last season, but he took over for Drake Maye early in the first quarter of Week 18 and showcased himself well against the Buffalo Bills' backups. 

In a win over the Bills, Milton completed 22 out of 29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 16 yards and a score.

Though he played against reserves, Milton generated buzz with his lone pro performance. He could be the next man up if Prescott struggles with the injury bug.

The Cowboys can still draft a quarterback to push Grier for his spot, though it's no longer a need. Milton is an agile 6'5", 246-pounder with a big arm. If he has a strong showing in the offseason, he could have a short-term future as the Cowboys' primary backup.

Giants Missed out on Joe Milton III, May Draft a QB on Day 2 Rather Than at No. 3

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According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the New York Giants showed interest in Joe Milton III before the New England Patriots sent him to the Dallas Cowboys.

With veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston atop the Giants' quarterback depth chart, they need a developmental signal-caller. Last year, Tommy DeVito struggled mightily in two starts, throwing for 257 scoreless passing yards. He may not have a long future in New York.

Big Blue can use the No. 3 pick on a quarterback, perhaps Shedeur Sanders. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Bleacher Report's Paul Kasabian), it's "increasingly unlikely" that a team with a top-three selection will take Sanders. 

The Giants could be satisfied with Wilson starting for at least a year and punting on a quarterback in the first round. After missing out on Milton, they could be eyeing a developmental prospect in the middle-to-late rounds of the draft.

Raiders Are More Likely to Draft an Immediate Impact Prospect at No. 6

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QB Geno Smith

The Las Vegas Raiders can breathe a sigh of relief in their quarterback search for at least another two or three seasons. Smith is under contract with the club through the 2027 term.

Even with Smith in the Raiders' immediate plans, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters (via The Athletic's Tashan Reed) the team will not overlook rookie quarterbacks.

"Geno is an immediate fix for us, and it's going to last us. We're going to get a number of years from Geno at his very best. He's healthy and ready to go. He's as tuned in as he's ever been, but that doesn't mean that we don't see some guys coming out with tremendous potential. We're not excluding taking anybody."

Carroll's comments suggest that Las Vegas can still take a quarterback at No. 6, but the Raiders can pick up a signal-caller on Day 2 or 3.

If Carroll wants to get the best out of Smith, though, the Raiders should add a player who can help them in 2025 rather than someone who may have to wait two or three years for his turn. The Atlanta Falcons disagree with that premise, but Smith isn't coming off a torn Achilles like Kirk Cousins last year.

With the No. 6 pick, the Raiders can take running back Ashton Jeanty to help balance their offensive attack. As the best ball-carrier in this year's class, Jeanty has Pro Bowl-All-Pro potential.

Raiders Have Plenty of Time to Develop a Day 2 QB

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QB Jalen Milroe

In terms of average annual salary and guaranteed money, Geno Smith signed a deal that puts him in the midrange among starting quarterbacks in earnings. 

Las Vegas signed Smith to a fair deal for a 34-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl quarterback who has been a full-time starter in five out of 12 seasons, and it doesn't preclude the club from taking a swing on a signal-caller on Day 2. 

According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Raiders were one of five teams that showed interest in Joe Milton III.

Even with third-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who has 17 starts on his resume, Las Vegas is reportedly trying to add more high-upside passers to the depth chart.

The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed reported that the Raiders were "particularly impressed" with Jalen Milroe and Quinn Ewers at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Most draft analysts view Miroe and Ewers as developmental quarterbacks who will be available in the second, third and maybe fourth rounds.

A Shedeur Sanders Slide to the New Orleans Saints at No. 9 Is More Plausible

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QB Shedeur Sanders

If the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders pass on signal-callers within the top six picks, Shedeur Sanders could slip to another quarterback-needy team.

At No. 7, the New York Jets have Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. Like the Raiders, the Jets aren't in desperate need of a quarterback. Gang Green signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract. 

At No. 8, the Carolina Panthers may want to see what Bryce Young can do after his strong finish to the 2024 season. He threw for seven touchdowns without an interception over his last three outings. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 draft will have a chance to fulfill major expectations in Carolina.

In March, the New Orleans Saints restructured Derek Carr's contract, but he has no guaranteed money on his deal after 2025. 

If the Saints draft Sanders with the No. 9 pick, Carr may be willing to waive his no-trade clause after the 2025 season to go elsewhere rather than stay in New Orleans with a first-rounder behind him on the depth chart.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Saints "could" take a quarterback in the top 10 after doing a lot of homework on this year's class of signal-callers.

If Sanders is available when the Saints go on the clock in three weeks, he may be bringing all his bling to New Orleans.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.