DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
Just my opinion.
Y’all loved keelan doss. He’s available.

Y’all loved keelan doss. He’s available.

Just my opinion.
Y’all loved keelan doss. He’s available.![]()
PALM BEACH, Fla. — There’s a big question hovering over the Las Vegas Raiders: What’s the holdup with Geno Smith?
The Raiders officially traded for the veteran quarterback on March 13, but he has yet to be formally introduced in a news conference. While that’s unusual, there’s an easy explanation: He’s still negotiating a contract extension.
Smith is in the final year of a three-year contract he signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. Although he was paid a $16 million roster bonus on March 16, none of his $14.8 million salary for 2025 is guaranteed. It’s unlikely that Smith would play without a new deal, according to league sources.
“We’re working on it,” coach Pete Carroll said Monday when asked about Smith’s extension. “G’s excited to get going and get started. He’ll be here when we get rolling, but we are working on it.”
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Smith was seeking an extension with an average salary in the range of $40 million to $45 million before the trade away from Seattle. It’s unclear how many years Smith hoped to be signed for.
From a financial standpoint, the Raiders can meet Smith’s salary demands. They have over $42.4 million in effective cap space according to Over the Cap, and they’re currently projected to have the most cap room in the league in 2026.
As always, however, the amount of guaranteed money will be more important than Smith’s salary. That’ll ultimately decide how long the Raiders are tethered to Smith moving forward.
Smith will turn 35 in October and probably isn’t a long-term answer at quarterback, which could factor into the negotiations. Nonetheless, the most likely outcome remains that the two sides will agree to an extension before the start of the 2025 season.
“We’re looking forward to having him and having him for not just this year, but for the years to come,” general manager John Spytek said Monday. “When we get everything where it needs to be, he’ll be around. I’m confident that’ll happen fairly soon.”
. They re-signed contributors defensive end Malcolm Koonce, defensive tackle Adam Butler Jr. and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao on short-term deals. They also added several veterans in guard Alex Cappa, safety Jeremy Chinn, cornerback Eric Stokes, linebackers Elandon Roberts and Devin White and running back Raheem Mostert on cheap, short-term deals. Those are solid additions, but not big splashes.
Meanwhile, they endured significant losses. Safety Tre’von Moehrig signed with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Robert Spillane signed with the Patriots and nickelback Nate Hobbs signed with the Green Bay Packers.
“I said early on that we’d like to keep our guys,” Carroll said. “As we entered into the process, we found out that there were a lot of guys that were interested. … And so, in managing the process, we had to spread that money around.”
Spytek said they didn’t expect Moehrig ($17 million per year), Hobbs ($12 million per year) and Spillane ($11 million per year) to receive as much money as they did. Once they realized those figures were out of their price range, they pivoted to prioritizing compensatory picks in the 2026 draft class. Those won’t be awarded until next season and are dependent on playing time, but their projection model has them receiving three compensatory picks as a result.
“Free agency is always wildly unpredictable,” Spytek said. “As we started to realize the market at some of the positions was really robust and some of these guys were going to end up leaving, we just had to make some hard decisions. … We were able to find pretty good value at some of the spots that we lost.”
The addition of Smith undoubtedly gives the offense a lift, but on paper, the defense got worse. Carroll, however, disagrees with the latter.
“I’m thrilled about the guys we picked up,” Carroll said. “You start with Geno on the offensive side, but particularly on the defensive side, we hit some numbers. We’ve got guys that have the mentality coming in here that they have something to prove.”
The Raiders didn’t want to be reckless in free agency. Spytek noted that approach won’t “make everybody (in the fan base) happy,” but he’s sticking to it.
“We were not an aggressive free agent team in Tampa outside of Ryan Jensen and Tom (Brady),” Spytek said. “In my opinion, a lot of bad deals get done on that first day of free agency. And they probably should make you feel a little bit uncomfortable because the money is so big. … We just try to hang (on) to the plan.
“This isn’t a one-year (deal). This is a build it the right way (situation). Be smart. Set the franchise in the right direction. Build for sustained success. Get it in a place where we’ve got a young roster with a lot of really good players. And then maybe there’s a free agent in Year 2 where you really go for it and you really kind of overextend yourselves. … We just try to be intelligently aggressive.”
Veteran and rookie additions at receiver?
The Raiders brought receiver Hunter Renfrow to team headquarters last week for a visit. Renfrow didn’t play in 2024, but he played for the Raiders from 2019 to 2023. The former Pro Bowler was released in 2023 after back-to-back disappointing seasons, but could make a reunion with the Raiders.
“He’s in a really good spot now where he wants to continue his career,” Spytek said. “We would be remiss if we didn’t think about it with the respect that people in our building have for him. … Just because he was here and then took a year off doesn’t mean we can’t have him back.”
The presence of tight end Brock Bowers may lessen the need at receiver, but the Raiders still only have two starting-caliber receivers in Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Other free agent receivers of note include Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper and Tyler Lockett, among others. Las Vegas will likely sign a veteran receiver, but that won’t stop them from drafting one, too.
“I think it’s a pretty solid draft class, too, from the top all the way through the first probably 15 guys in the draft class,” Spytek said. “There are some good players.”
It remains to be seen if this was prudent, but no one can tell me these lost players were irreplaceable. I rather our offseason than the PatriotsOnce they realized those figures were out of their price range, they pivoted to prioritizing compensatory picks in the 2026 draft class
If overpaying to make big splashy free agents signings won Super Bowls then the Jaguars would be on their 4th defending championship season in a row now.It remains to be seen if this was prudent, but no one can tell me these lost players were irreplaceable. I rather our offseason than the PatriotsOnce they realized those figures were out of their price range, they pivoted to prioritizing compensatory picks in the 2026 draft class
Take Renfrow!!!Check in here. Y’all know I’ll need help.
RC94 cannot repeat as our Guide again but he's agreed to be one of the 32 who Drafts
We will need 31 more and several have already spoken up in last year's thread
1. Tennessee Titans - @Bri
2. Cleveland Browns - @daveR
3. New York Giants - @RC94
4. New England Patriots - @JetMaxx
5. Jacksonville Jaguars @Streetduck
6. Las Vegas Raiders - @DA RAIDERS
7. New York Jets - @rockaction
8. Carolina Panthers - @Instinctive
9. New Orleans Saints - @farfromforgotten
10. Chicago Bears - @travdogg
11. San Francisco 49'ers -...
- Ministry of Pain
- Replies: 897
- Forum: The Shark Pool (NFL Talk)
In the 3rd!Take Renfrow!!!Check in here. Y’all know I’ll need help.
RC94 cannot repeat as our Guide again but he's agreed to be one of the 32 who Drafts
We will need 31 more and several have already spoken up in last year's thread
1. Tennessee Titans - @Bri
2. Cleveland Browns - @daveR
3. New York Giants - @RC94
4. New England Patriots - @JetMaxx
5. Jacksonville Jaguars @Streetduck
6. Las Vegas Raiders - @DA RAIDERS
7. New York Jets - @rockaction
8. Carolina Panthers - @Instinctive
9. New Orleans Saints - @farfromforgotten
10. Chicago Bears - @travdogg
11. San Francisco 49'ers -...
- Ministry of Pain
- Replies: 897
- Forum: The Shark Pool (NFL Talk)
Oh no. Shades of the NYG Alastair off-season where the GMs son said to trade up for Daniels.Spytek on some podcast said his 10 year old son has threatened to leave the family if he doesn't draft Jeanty
Who are you trading up for? To grab Sanders? Who do you want at 3 that you can’t likely get at 6?Just saw the thread title change.
Anyway, in MoPs mock draft we have the 6th pick and the giants GM wants to trade down. Do we entertain the price of trading up? Ward went 1st
Let’s do this together and as realistically as possible
Groupthink. I’m not thinking anything. I’m asking for input. Personally I stay put. Consider jeanty or best OL. Or try to trade downWho are you reading up for? To grab Sanders? Who do you want at 3 that you can’t likely get at 6?Just saw the thread title change.
Anyway, in MoPs mock draft we have the 6th pick and the giants GM wants to trade down. Do we entertain the price of trading up? Ward went 1st
Let’s do this together and as realistically as possible
Why not? I mean, listening to the adolescent children of NFL executives has worked out so well for the Jets.Spytek on some podcast said his 10 year old son has threatened to leave the family if he doesn't draft Jeanty
RENFROW!!!Who are you reading up for? To grab Sanders? Who do you want at 3 that you can’t likely get at 6?Just saw the thread title change.
Anyway, in MoPs mock draft we have the 6th pick and the giants GM wants to trade down. Do we entertain the price of trading up? Ward went 1st
Let’s do this together and as realistically as possible
Stay out or trade down if you get a great offer. Go BPA. No QB.Groupthink. I’m not thinking anything. I’m asking for input. Personally I stay put. Consider jeanty or best OL. Or try to trade downWho are you reading up for? To grab Sanders? Who do you want at 3 that you can’t likely get at 6?Just saw the thread title change.
Anyway, in MoPs mock draft we have the 6th pick and the giants GM wants to trade down. Do we entertain the price of trading up? Ward went 1st
Let’s do this together and as realistically as possible
Honest answer IMO is you move up to #3 is if you think you can get Hunter or Carter.Groupthink. I’m not thinking anything. I’m asking for input. Personally I stay put. Consider jeanty or best OL. Or try to trade downWho are you reading up for? To grab Sanders? Who do you want at 3 that you can’t likely get at 6?Just saw the thread title change.
Anyway, in MoPs mock draft we have the 6th pick and the giants GM wants to trade down. Do we entertain the price of trading up? Ward went 1st
Let’s do this together and as realistically as possible
Agree. Stay put and take Jeanty or OL.Honest answer IMO is you move up to #3 is if you think you can get Hunter or Carter.Groupthink. I’m not thinking anything. I’m asking for input. Personally I stay put. Consider jeanty or best OL. Or try to trade downWho are you reading up for? To grab Sanders? Who do you want at 3 that you can’t likely get at 6?Just saw the thread title change.
Anyway, in MoPs mock draft we have the 6th pick and the giants GM wants to trade down. Do we entertain the price of trading up? Ward went 1st
Let’s do this together and as realistically as possible
If you really want to go BPA those are the two BPAs in this draft.
BPA is not about need.Hunter went #2
Carter is not a need. But he’s great. SF drafted 42 DL in a row and did pretty well with it. However, I’m on record for hating foot injuries.
I too suffer from Tyree derangement syndrome.I’m on record for hating foot injuries.
Mine goes much further backI too suffer from Tyree derangement syndrome.I’m on record for hating foot injuries.
I’m aware.BPA is not about need.Hunter went #2
Carter is not a need. But he’s great. SF drafted 42 DL in a row and did pretty well with it. However, I’m on record for hating foot injuries.
And when you face Mahomes, Herbert and Nix (if he is as good as he seemed) six times per season Maxx and Carter would be an amazing equalizer.
I wouldn't trade up this year either (I absolutely wanted to last year for Caleb or Jayden).I’m aware.BPA is not about need.Hunter went #2
Carter is not a need. But he’s great. SF drafted 42 DL in a row and did pretty well with it. However, I’m on record for hating foot injuries.
And when you face Mahomes, Herbert and Nix (if he is as good as he seemed) six times per season Maxx and Carter would be an amazing equalizer.we’re talking about giving up a boatload to move up. Carter isn’t worth it imho.
No need to move up.OFFER: How about #6, #37 and a 2nd for 2026? That way you only give up 1 extra pick for this year. For the #3
Traditional NFL chart says that trade is 1600 v. 1585 in the Saints favor. https://overthecap.com/trade-calculator says its a win for the Raiders. Sooo good luck.OFFER: The New Orleans Saints offer picks #9 and #71 for the Las Vegas Raiders #6 pick.
I know you don't want Carter there so who would you be targeting? I assume it would be Shedeur.OFFER: How about #6, #37 and a 2nd for 2026? That way you only give up 1 extra pick for this year. For the #3
This is being offered to me./us. I’m not trying to trade upI know you don't want Carter there so who would you be targeting? I assume it would be Shedeur.OFFER: How about #6, #37 and a 2nd for 2026? That way you only give up 1 extra pick for this year. For the #3
Personally, I would wait and see if he falls to 6.
I understand. I'm just wondering since you're presenting the offer to us, what would be the incentive to take it? The only player that I would move up for would be Carter, since Hunter is already gone in this draft. But I don't see it moving up as a value proposition for the Raiders this year.This is being offered to me./us. I’m not trying to trade upI know you don't want Carter there so who would you be targeting? I assume it would be Shedeur.OFFER: How about #6, #37 and a 2nd for 2026? That way you only give up 1 extra pick for this year. For the #3
Personally, I would wait and see if he falls to 6.
that honestly never hurts. truly you should be asking what the price is to trade up to the other spots in the top 5 too. this way you know the cost if a player slides in the draft and if someone offers you a trade down opportunity you also know (roughly) what the market is for THAT move.I’ve asked ny what they want for their pick.
OL as wellthat honestly never hurts. truly you should be asking what the price is to trade up to the other spots in the top 5 too. this way you know the cost if a player slides in the draft and if someone offers you a trade down opportunity you also know (roughly) what the market is for THAT move.I’ve asked ny what they want for their pick.
but in real life, the raiders likely have too many holes to fill. The trade down in some respects makes more sense than the trade up. get an extra pick or two and fill some of those holes in the lineup.
I also think if running with Geno, you need to get him a better WR than Jacobi. I think Geno is gonna be in shock going from DK, Smith Njigba and Locket to having Jacobi and Tre Tucker. More than just a bit of a dropoff.
Not saying that solves all their problems on Offense, but playmakers in the offense is a good place to start. Yes I know they have a TE, but thats not enough.
the other question is..... is this the area that is actually most on fire? it may not be, but if you went out and spent to obtain Geno, you kinda need to make this part of the offense better too.
if you bring in Geno and dont improve the playmakers elsewhere in the offense you are not supporting him well enough for him to be productive.
It is fun.I’m just trying to include everyone. Thought it might be fun
I have similar thoughts but it seems I am lower on all the QBs in this draft than others. I would wait to draft a QB in 26 or 27. Geno can hold down the fort until then.It is fun.I’m just trying to include everyone. Thought it might be fun
Personally I wouldn't trade up and I'm not thrilled at the idea of taking Jeanty at #6. Don't get me wrong, he looks like the real deal, I just think the RB position doesn't bring enough to the table to elevate the whole team enough (like Saquon in NY).
I would take Shedeur at #6 because Geno is a three year stopgap, at most, and I do think Shedeur has all the tools to be successful for a long time in the NFL. His athletic measurables may not be elite but are more than NFL caliber and his accuracy and touch are insane (ask the Colts if elite athleticism makes up for not being able to hit the ocean from the beach).
If Shedeur is gone and Jeanty is available I would probably prefer them dropping back a couple spots and taking an OT, WR or DB. The Saints and Bears both seem like teams potentially interested in a guy like Jeanty. Cowboys too.
There should be a high end RB available in the 2nd. Probably a few high upside RBs will be available the 3rd too.
But how about Saquon in PHI? Hard to argue he didn't impact that team. And yes, I know, their OL is awesome, but most other RB behind that line still wouldn't be what Saquon was to that team.like Saquon in NY
Sure, but there Raiders don't have that O-line, or QB (I am a big Geno fan so I'll leave the door open a bit there) or AJ Brown & DeVonta Smith.But how about Saquon in PHI? Hard to argue he didn't impact that team. And yes, I know, their OL is awesome, but most other RB behind that line still wouldn't be what Saquon was to that team.
I agree about Geno. I'm a fan but I also think that, with this coaching staff in place the Raiders won't have the #6 pick again as long as they are coaching. This looks more like a 7-9 win team so picks in the teens are likely the order of the day.I have similar thoughts but it seems I am lower on all the QBs in this draft than others. I would wait to draft a QB in 26 or 27. Geno can hold down the fort until then.It is fun.I’m just trying to include everyone. Thought it might be fun
Personally I wouldn't trade up and I'm not thrilled at the idea of taking Jeanty at #6. Don't get me wrong, he looks like the real deal, I just think the RB position doesn't bring enough to the table to elevate the whole team enough (like Saquon in NY).
I would take Shedeur at #6 because Geno is a three year stopgap, at most, and I do think Shedeur has all the tools to be successful for a long time in the NFL. His athletic measurables may not be elite but are more than NFL caliber and his accuracy and touch are insane (ask the Colts if elite athleticism makes up for not being able to hit the ocean from the beach).
If Shedeur is gone and Jeanty is available I would probably prefer them dropping back a couple spots and taking an OT, WR or DB. The Saints and Bears both seem like teams potentially interested in a guy like Jeanty. Cowboys too.
There should be a high end RB available in the 2nd. Probably a few high upside RBs will be available the 3rd too.
The more I think about it, the more I like trading back to pick up another second round pick to help fill the many needs on OL, defense, WR, and RB. The issue there is that you need a partner. Jeanty may be the best player in the draft but this draft is loaded at RB. An extra pick would allow the Raiders to let the draft come to them and take BPA while focusing on the trenches, defense, WR and RB.
you would sometimes be surprised. I cant even count the number of drafts where I assume a certain player (or players) could not possibly fall to me, but in reality if one or two people go off the board early suddenly its probable that someone of that calibre drops.But how about Saquon in PHI? Hard to argue he didn't impact that team. And yes, I know, their OL is awesome, but most other RB behind that line still wouldn't be what Saquon was to that team.like Saquon in NY
The only thing that's important in drafting is to get the pick right. Take TE, or RB, or LB, but just get it right. If we end up with Ray Lewis out of #6 we can use FA to fill needs around him next year. If Jeanty is LT we're not going to get many cracks at that, take it while we can.
I'm trying hard not to let it be my homer glasses, but the only reason I would rather pass on Jeanty is because I think Henderson will be a special talent too and we can get him later. People will say I am a blind OSU fanboi, and they will be right about the fanboi part - I love my Buckeyes - but I am hardly blind. Put on Henderson's freshman tape, squint so that you can't see names, and tell me that's not a young LT. Worst case it's a next-gen Austin Ekeler and he turned out pretty freaking nice. I like Judkins too, I drafted him as a freshman in my devy league when he was still at Ole MIss (that's another freshman tape to watch in wonder and awe btw) but I'm all in on Henderson and would take him 10 times out of 10 over Judkins.
I'd love a trade down from #6 but you have to have a partner to do it with. If we can get into the mid teens and pick up solid draft equity in return I'd love that, the top 20 of this draft is really nice looking. As it is this would be my draft list:
Ward
Hunter
Carter
Sanders
Jeanty
Graham
I expect the top 4 aren't making it to 6 unless we trade up. Wildcards start to happen after those guys - an OT could jump in, mabye someone gets crazy in love with Dart. But this is the order I'm taking them in if they are available.