Raiders QB Geno Smith excited to reunite with Pete Carroll

HENDERSON, Nev. — Chatting with reporters for the primary time since being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Geno Smith highlighted his relationship with coach Pete Carroll as one of many largest causes for eager to put on the silver and black.

“I feel there may be unfinished enterprise,” Smith stated Monday. “And I feel, when folks take into consideration my story, Coach Carroll was an enormous a part of that. He gave me a possibility when not many individuals would have.”

Smith performed 5 of his six seasons with the Seahawks below Carroll. Smith served as a backup for 2 seasons earlier than rising because the workforce’s starter after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.

“I will run by means of a wall for him, and he is aware of that.”

Geno Smith, on coach Pete Carroll

Whereas serving as a backup, Smith stated he all the time believed that he might be a starter. So did Carroll. Smith performed in 37 video games below Carroll and threw for 8,641 passing yards, 55 touchdowns and 21 interceptions whereas making two Professional Bowl appearances.

“I imply, not weeks, I am speaking for years taking part in behind Russell [Wilson], and he simply by no means let up on that thought. And it was so spectacular to me,” Carroll recalled. “As quickly as we had the chance to place him able to take the lead, I could not wait. And he is been a winner ever since.”

Carroll’s perception in Smith has created a bond between the 2 that appears unbreakable. Smith referred to as Carroll “legendary” and believes the 73-year-old’s willingness to let gamers be themselves and his observe report for successful make him a beautiful coach to play for.

“I will run by means of a wall for him, and he is aware of that,” Smith stated.

“I need to say, I would hit that wall earlier than you get there,” Carroll responded.

When Carroll noticed a possibility to commerce for Smith, the workforce did not hesitate to get a deal accomplished. The Raiders despatched a 2025 third-round choose to Seattle for Smith, who stated he has no exhausting emotions about how issues ended with the Seahawks.

Smith has since signed a multiyear extension with the Raiders. Phrases weren’t disclosed by the Raiders on Monday, however a supply advised ESPN’s Adam Schefter final week that Smith obtained a two-year, $75 million extension that may be price as much as $85.5 million and contains $66.5 million in assured cash.

In Las Vegas, Carroll stated, Smith offers “prompt stability” at quarterback after three straight shedding seasons and having six gamers begin at quarterback since shifting on from Derek Carr after the 2022 season.

Regardless of Smith’s closing season in Seattle being thought of a down 12 months after he threw 15 interceptions, he completed fourth in passing yards (4,320) and fifth in completion proportion (70.4%).

“Not in a cocky or conceited means, however I simply really feel that I am one of many higher quarterbacks within the NFL,” Smith stated. “I am out to go on the market and show it.”

Carroll is just not the one one enthusiastic about Smith’s arrival. Raiders GM John Spytek stated he is thrilled to have Smith because the quarterback as a result of the veteran’s journey might be an incredible useful resource to the remainder of the workforce.

Smith even had a video name with Tom Brady as soon as the commerce had been finalized and was invited to the minority proprietor’s dwelling.

“I went to his dwelling and received an opportunity to simply spend about an hour and simply speak ball with him and simply speak about life,” Smith stated. “… I need to be taught as a lot as I can from him, the best quarterback to play the sport. I imply, there’s so many issues you can be taught. I feel the principle factor is that I am right here to win, and I am right here to do the appropriate issues for my teammates, simply as he did.”