NFL

Raiders sign QB Geno Smith to two-year, $85.5 million contract extension

It was at least a little odd that the Raiders traded for Smith without a contract extension in place, even if the cost was just a third-round pick. Now, Las Vegas has stability at quarterback, though at a high price. Smith is worth it, however, as he blossomed into one of the better starting quarterbacks in the NFL during his time with the Seahawks.

At age 34, immediate decline is always a possibility, but given Smith’s career trajectory he should remain a solid starter for at least another few seasons — which are covered by this deal.

The commitment from the Raiders is big here. It’s a dicey proposition to pay non-elite signal callers over $40 million per year — look no further than Deshaun Watson and Daniel Jones — but Las Vegas was bereft at the position prior to acquiring Smith. The Raiders now have credibility under center to go along with a cultural reset. That alone won’t guarantee Las Vegas anything in a stacked AFC West, but the arrow is pointing up for the franchise.

Smith threw for 4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2024.

Grade: B

Cardinals sign TE Trey McBride to four-year, $76 million contract extension

In recent years, an interesting — and predictable — trend across the NFL has emerged. Franchises that wait to pay good players — hello, Bengals and Cowboys — have cost themselves chunks of salary cap room, while proactive organizations are retaining talent at fair prices. The Cardinals aren’t exactly known for being on the cutting edge of well, anything, but this signing is a good move.

McBride, ever since midway through the 2023 season, has been one of the best tight ends in the league. Now, he’ll be compensated as such, as Arizona is making the 2022 second-round selection the highest-paid player at his position. McBride probably won’t hold that title for long — George Kittle is due for an extension — but his play has earned him this deal.

McBride is the best player on the Cardinals’ offense, and he backed it up by recording 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. The 25-year-old’s lack of receiving scores has been mocked by some, but touchdowns are mostly unpredictable, so McBride’s output of that statistic should increase moving forward.

Grade: B+

Cowboys receive: QB Joe Milton and 2025 seventh-round pick

Patriots receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

It’s abnormal for quarterbacks to get traded one year after being drafted, but conventional wisdom tends to go out the window when the Cowboys are involved. In this situation, though, Dallas did fairly well, adding an interesting quarterback prospect at a cheap price. Clearly, the Patriots viewed the 2024 sixth-round selection as expendable after signing Joshua Dobbs in free agency.

Why New England so easily moved on from Milton is unclear. The 25-year-old was shockingly excellent in his lone appearance last season, going 22-of-29 for 241 yards and a touchdown. That performance should’ve bought Milton more time as a developmental prospect with the organization, but perhaps the Patriots want Drake Maye as their only youngster at the position. I guess that’s a reasonable desire.

Cowboys Grade: B+

Patriots Grade: C-

NCAAB

Alabama A&M hires Donte Jackson as head coach

This is a stunning move at the lower levels of Division I. Jackson held one of the better jobs in the SWAC at Grambling State, so it’s confusing as to why he’s leaving for Alabama A&M. Regardless, the Bulldogs are hiring a solid head coach away from a conference rival.

Grade: A-