In a surprising turn of events, quarterback Geno Smith has successfully secured an extension with the Seattle Seahawks, defying expectations that he would be traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Just four weeks ago, speculation hovered around a potential trade to the Raiders, but the Seahawks opted to bolster their primary asset instead.

The newly extended contract not only adds two more years to his existing deal but also significantly boosts his earnings. According to sources close to the negotiations, Smith’s compensation for 2025 has jumped from $31 million to an impressive $40 million.

Details of the contract reveal a base salary of $26.5 million for 2026, of which $18.5 million is fully guaranteed at signing. Additionally, $8 million is guaranteed for injury, becoming fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2026 league year. For the year 2027, Smith stands to make a hefty non-guaranteed salary of $39.5 million.

Moreover, the deal incorporates $3.5 million in annual incentives, allowing for a maximum payout totaling an astounding $116.5 million. At the onset, the contract includes a staggering $58.5 million guaranteed upon signing. However, this arrangement allows the Raiders the flexibility to end the contract or execute a trade after just one year. In a hypothetical scenario where Smith does not play in 2026, the Raiders could potentially owe him nothing beyond the 2025 payout.

In contrast, the Seahawks' deal with Sam Darnold allows them to exit after one year with a relatively lower commitment of $37.5 million, devoid of any offset complications for 2026.

Looking ahead, the third year of Smith's contract will likely be an option controlled by the team. If they choose to retain him beyond 2025, the potential total commitment could reach up to $66.5 million over the next two years, marking a significant financial stake in the quarterback position for Seattle.

As the 2023 season unfolds, this deal serves as a testament to the Seahawks’ faith in Smith's capabilities and their commitment to building a competitive roster. Fans and analysts will certainly keep a keen eye on how this contract influences both his performance and the team's overall strategy moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into Geno Smith's journey and the impact of this surprising development in NFL contracts!