The Las Vegas Raiders moved quickly to stabilize the quarterback position this offseason by reuniting Pete Carroll with Geno Smith, signing Smith to a two-year, $75 million contract that keeps him in Las Vegas through 2027. The deal positions Smith as a clear upgrade for the present, but it also signals that Las Vegas isn’t counting on him as a long-term solution beyond the mid-2020s.
Smith will turn 35 in October, underscoring the push to add a future quarterback while he anchors the offense in the near term. While rookie sixth-round pick Cam Miller could become the club’s quarterback of the future, the Raiders are likely to explore a larger, long-term draft investment to ensure a sustained upgrade at the position.
In the hypothetical world of 2026 mock drafts, Bleacher Report’s scouts project Las Vegas at eighth overall, selecting South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Sellers is built at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds and is viewed as a high-ceiling, dual-threat prospect with the arm strength and mobility that modern NFL offenses demand. In 2024, he took over as starter as a redshirt sophomore, throwing and rushing for impressive numbers: 674 rushing yards with seven rushing scores and a 65.6% completion rate.
Analysts highlight Sellers’ physical traits as a major selling point. He ranks well in height and weight for NFL quarterbacks and posted strong athleticism metrics. His passing under pressure was solid in the data, with a favorable track record for throws under duress and a capacity to make plays on the move. However, there are notable development concerns: his time to throw averages around 3.31 seconds, contributing to a higher sack rate, and he had more turnover-worthy plays than ideal, with volatility in his production from year to year. In short, Sellers is seen as a raw talent with a high ceiling who would benefit from a year or more of learning behind an established veteran.
The Raiders’ potential path would be to let Sellers sit and learn behind Smith, giving him a chance to mature before taking the reins in 2027 or later. That plan would align with Las Vegas’ immediate need for stability while preserving a longer-term option who could grow into a franchise quarterback.
What this means for Raiders fans
– Smith provides veteran leadership and a proven production floor for the next couple of seasons.
– The team keeps an eye on the future by evaluating a high-upside quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft window.
– Sellers’ skill set fits a modern, dual-threat mold, but his development will hinge on refinement of timing, decision-making, and recognition of coverages.
– If Las Vegas can cultivate a patient, structured development plan, the pair could form a bridge-to-future quarterback success.
Summary
The Raiders are balancing immediate quarterback stability with a strategic view toward a future franchise QB. Geno Smith gives Vegas a reliable today, while LaNorris Sellers represents a high-upside long-term option that could be groomed behind Smith and emerge as the successor when the time is right. The approach combines experienced leadership with a patient development path, offering a hopeful trajectory for a sustained upgrade at the most important position.
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a ready-to-publish WordPress post, add a concise “Key takeaways” sidebar, or expand sections with player comparisons and timing projections.