Ryan McFaddenApr 7, 2025, 05:11 PM ET
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- Ryan McFadden covers the Las Vegas Raiders for ESPN’s NFL Country. Previous to ESPN, McFadden was once a Denver Broncos beat reporter for the Denver Publish. McFadden additionally wrote in regards to the Baltimore Ravens and College of Maryland athletics for The Baltimore Solar.
HENDERSON, Nev. — Talking to newshounds for the primary time since being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Geno Smith highlighted his dating with trainer Pete Carroll as one of the most largest causes for in need of to put on the silver and black.
“I feel there may be unfinished trade,” Smith stated Monday. “And I feel, when other people take into consideration my tale, Trainer Carroll was once a large a part of that. He gave me a chance when no longer many of us would have.”
Smith performed 5 of his six seasons with the Seahawks beneath Carroll. Smith served as a backup for 2 seasons earlier than rising because the workforce’s starter after Russell Wilson was once traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.
“I’m going to run via a wall for him, and he is aware of that.”
Geno Smith, on trainer Pete Carroll
Whilst serving as a backup, Smith stated he all the time believed that he generally is a starter. So did Carroll. Smith performed in 37 video games beneath Carroll and threw for 8,641 passing yards, 55 touchdowns and 21 interceptions whilst making two Professional Bowl appearances.
“I imply, no longer weeks, I am speaking for years taking part in in the back of Russell [Wilson], and he simply by no means let up on that idea. And it was once so spectacular to me,” Carroll recalled. “Once we had the chance to place him ready to take the lead, I could not wait. And he is been a winner ever since.”
Carroll’s trust in Smith has created a bond between the 2 that turns out unbreakable. Smith referred to as Carroll “mythical” and believes the 73-year-old’s willingness to let avid gamers be themselves and his monitor document for successful make him a lovely trainer to play for.
Quarterback Geno Smith stated Monday that he and trainer Pete Carroll have “unfinished trade” with the Raiders. Ethan Miller/Getty Photographs
“I’m going to run via a wall for him, and he is aware of that,” Smith stated.
“I wish to say, I may hit that wall earlier than you get there,” Carroll replied.
When Carroll noticed a chance to industry for Smith, the workforce did not hesitate to get a deal carried out. The Raiders despatched a 2025 third-round select to Seattle for Smith, who stated he has no laborious emotions about how issues ended with the Seahawks.
Smith has since signed a multiyear extension with the Raiders. Phrases weren’t disclosed by means of the Raiders on Monday, however a supply informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter closing week that Smith gained a two-year, $75 million extension that may be value as much as $85.5 million and contains $66.5 million in assured cash.
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In Las Vegas, Carroll stated, Smith supplies “rapid balance” at quarterback after 3 instantly dropping seasons and having six avid gamers get started at quarterback since shifting on from Derek Carr after the 2022 season.
In spite of Smith’s ultimate season in Seattle being regarded as a down 12 months after he threw 15 interceptions, he completed fourth in passing yards (4,320) and 5th in finishing touch share (70.4%).
“Now not in a cocky or boastful approach, however I simply really feel that I am one of the most higher quarterbacks within the NFL,” Smith stated. “I am out to head available in the market and turn out it.”
Carroll isn’t the one one eager about Smith’s arrival. Raiders GM John Spytek stated he is overjoyed to have Smith because the quarterback since the veteran’s adventure generally is a nice useful resource to the remainder of the workforce.
Smith even had a video name with Tom Brady as soon as the industry have been finalized and was once invited to the minority proprietor’s house.
“I went to his house and were given a possibility to simply spend about an hour and simply communicate ball with him and simply speak about lifestyles,” Smith stated. “… I wish to be told up to I will be able to from him, the best quarterback to play the sport. I imply, there may be such a lot of issues that you’ll be able to be told. I feel the principle factor is that I am right here to win, and I am right here to do the best issues for my teammates, simply as he did.”
