The Raiders signed QB Geno Smith through 2027, but is he the future? A June 2025 update on the team's QB situation with Pete Carroll and Cade Klubnik.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The dust has settled on mandatory minicamp, but the biggest story in Raider Nation is just getting started. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith is officially a Raider, signing an extension that keeps him in Silver and Black through 2027. While his reunion with coach Pete Carroll brings a steady hand to the offense, the move immediately raises the multi-million dollar question: Is Geno the long-term answer, or is he the bridge to a future franchise signal-caller?
3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. Remember the name: Cade Klubnik.
It's official. Geno Smith is the new man under center for the Raiders. The trade and subsequent contract extension signal a clear direction from the front office: win now. Smith is coming off a productive, if sometimes turnover-prone, 2024 season where he threw for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. He knows Pete Carroll's system inside and out, which should smooth the transition. However, the extension through 2027 doesn't necessarily quiet the long-term speculation, especially with the team reportedly already doing homework on the 2026 quarterback class, most notably Clemson's Cade Klubnik.
Pete Carroll's fingerprints are all over this roster refresh. Beyond bringing in his former QB, the Raiders are now kicking the tires on another ex-Seahawk, free agent cornerback Shaquill Griffin. After a recent visit, Griffin could provide much-needed veteran depth to the secondary. This potential signing, hot on the heels of bringing in linebacker Germaine Pratt, shows a concerted effort to build a tough, competitive defense to complement the offense. The message is clear: the standard on defense is being raised.
The team broke for the summer after a highly successful mandatory minicamp that saw nearly 100% participation. The energy was palpable, punctuated by a highlight-reel pick-six from Maxx Crosby that had the whole sideline buzzing. A major focus was the new special teams rules, with kicker Daniel Carlson telling reporters he's excited about the changes and the new opportunities they present. While the team was grinding on the field, cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. was earning a major honor off it. His hometown of Gary, Indiana, is awarding him the Key to the City, a fantastic recognition of his journey and impact.
As the players head off for their final break before training camp, the narrative is set. The Raiders have their veteran quarterback in Geno Smith and are actively building a tough, Carroll-esque defense. But the shadow of the future looms large, with scouts already eyeing prospects like Cade Klubnik. The immediate focus will be on chemistry and competition when camp opens, but the long-term vision for this franchise is the storyline every Raiders fan will be watching.
