Raiders' Geno Smith Reveals 'Disconnect' with 'Respect' in Seahawks' Contract Talks

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith detailed his extension negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks early in the 2025 offseason.

“Obviously, they have young guys in the building that they want to step up and be leaders, and they got a new head coach last year,” Smith said, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. “And Mike was good for us, and I really enjoyed being with him for that season. But again, man, when you’re talking about business, and you’re talking about a quarterback who wants not only to get paid—every player wants to get paid—but to be respected, that’s the most important thing. It’s the respect factor."

“And I just felt like there was a disconnect there," he added.

Seattle's contract offer contained an average annual value that was "well shy" of what Smith’s camp wanted, which led to the lack of a counter (via Breer).

The veteran was eventually traded to Las Vegas before signing a two-year, $75 million extension with the Raiders.

The deal contains incentives that could push the total value to $85.5 million and also includes $66.5 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith is now under contract with Las Vegas through the 2027 season.

The $37.5 million annual value of his extension ranks No. 16 among all quarterbacks, via Spotrac.

There doesn't appear to be any lingering tension between the signal-caller and the Seahawks, though.

“I had a lot of great teammates there, a lot of people in the building I love there, a lot of people in the city," Smith said, per Breer.

Smith joined a familiar face in Las Vegas, as he spent four years with Raiders head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle from 2020-23.

The 34-year-old is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he helped lead the Seahawks to a 10-7 record, although they narrowly missed the playoffs.

Smith completed 70.4 percent of his throws for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns, getting picked off 15 times. While he struggled with turnovers last season, there's hope in Las Vegas that he can extinguish his issues with ball security once again.

He threw just 20 interceptions compared to 50 touchdown passes in 32 combined starts from 2022-23.

With his future in Las Vegas secure, Smith will now look to help the Raiders bounce back after they finished with a mere 4-13 record in 2024.