【V partner】NFL Draft Quarerback Watch: Three Teams That Might Surprise Everyone

Don’t get caught up on the Raiders signing Geno Smith to a big two-year, $75.5 million extension through the 2027 season. Las Vegas acquired Smith this offseason from the Seattle Seahawks, and it was certainly addressed at that time that Smith didn’t want to have a contract just for 2025.

So the two sides worked out a deal, and this gives new coach Pete Carroll time to pinpoint a quarterback of the future and draft him. Backup Aidan O’Connell looks like a guy who could be in the NFL for 10 seasons, but whether he can be a full-time starter remains unclear.

Minority owner Tom Brady understands quarterbacks pretty well and will chip in with his own opinions, just as he did with the decision to deal for Smith. Carroll, of course, is comfortable with Smith after coaching him in Seattle.

Former sixth-round pick Brady would surely love to be part of nabbing someone in the draft who someday ascends to the starting role. Possible targets include Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, Memphis’ Seth Henigan or Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke.