Henderson, Nevada — Quarterback Geno Smith, who spoke with reporters for the first time since his deal with the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders, highlighted his relationship with manager Pete Carroll as one of the biggest reasons he wants to wear silver and black.
“I think there’s an unfinished business,” Smith said Monday. “And I think Coach Carroll was a big part of that when people think about my story. He gave me the opportunity when a lot of people don’t have it.”
Smith played five of his six seasons for the Seahawks under Carroll. Smith served as a backup for two seasons before Russell Wilson emerged as a starter for the team after he was traded with the Denver Broncos in 2022.
“I’ll run through the wall for him, and he knows that.”
Geno Smith, directed by Pete Carroll
While Smith served as a backup, he said he always believed he could become a starter. So did Carol. Smith played in 37 games under Carroll and appeared in two Pro Bowls, throwing for 8,641 yards, 55 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
“I mean, I’ve been talking behind Russell for years, not weeks, but behind him for so many years. [Wilson]and he never gave up on that idea. And that was very impressive to me, Carol recalled. He has been a winner ever since. ”
Carol’s belief in Smith created a bond between the two that seemed unbreakable. Smith calls Carol a “legend” and thinks that the 73-year-old player will become himself and his track record of winning will make him an attractive coach to play.
“I’ve been running through the wall for him and he knows that,” Smith said.
“I’m going to say, I might hit that wall before you get there,” Carol replied.
When Carol saw the opportunity to trade with Smith, the team didn’t hesitate to close the deal. The Raiders sent a 2025 third round pick to Seattle for Smith.
Smith later signed a multi-year extension with the Raiders. Conditions were not disclosed by the Raiders on Monday, but sources said last week that Smith received a two-year, $75 million extension worth up to $85.5 million and includes a $66.5 million bond.
In Las Vegas, Smith will provide “instant stability” at quarterback after three consecutive wins, and “instant stability” after six players have started at quarterback after the 2022 season.
Smith’s final season in Seattle came in fourth in passing yards (4,320) and fifth in completion rate (70.4%) despite being considered a year after throwing 15 intercepts.
“It’s not a sassy or arrogant way, but I feel like I’m one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL,” Smith said. “I’ll go out and prove it.”
Carol isn’t the only one who’s excited about Smith’s arrival. Raiders GM John Spytek said he was excited to make Smith the quarterback as the veteran journey could be a huge resource for others on the team.
Smith has a video call with Tom Brady after the deal was finalised and invited to the minority owner’s home.
“I went to his house and had the opportunity to spend about an hour talking about the ball and talk about life,” Smith said. “…I want to learn as much as I can from him, the biggest quarterback to play the game. So there’s a lot you can learn. I think the main thing is that I’m here to win.
