HENDERSON, Nev. — On Thursday, Raiders coach Pete Carroll approached quarterback Geno Smith during pre-practice stretching, highlighting their strong bond formed years ago in Seattle. The reunion between Geno Smith and Pete Carroll reunited with Raiders raises expectations for a competitive season in Las Vegas as they work together once again.
Their brief interaction reflected the mutual respect and connection they share, offering new hopes that their past success will continue with the Raiders.
Past Success Together in Seattle Fuels Optimism
Carroll’s tenure in Seattle brought the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowls, winning once with Russell Wilson at quarterback. More recently, Carroll revived Smith’s career when he signed him in 2019 as a backup. Before that, Smith was a second-round pick by the Jets in 2019 but had lost his starting role and was moving between backup positions with the Giants and Chargers.
Right quarterback in 2022, Smith led the NFL with a completion rate of 69.8%, throwing for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions, earning the AP Comeback Player of the Year award. During his time as Seattle’s starter, the team posted winning seasons for three consecutive years.
Despite the success, Smith’s time in Seattle ended with a contract impasse, leading to a trade on March 7, where the Raiders exchanged a third-round pick to acquire him.
Leadership and Resilience Key to Smith’s Appeal
Raider offensive coordinator Chip Kelly emphasized Smith’s resilience, saying,
“There’s not a lot of guys that would have shown that resiliency,”
and added that Smith’s journey has made him relatable to everyone within the program. Kelly continued,
“The fact that he has done it and come out and to be the way he is now is really a testament to him.”
Smith reflected on his career challenges, noting they have made him
“cherish it a little bit more.”
The Raiders have invested heavily, signing Smith to a two-year, $75 million extension through the 2027 season, signaling their confidence in his ability to elevate the franchise back into contention.
Facing a Tough AFC West with Strong Supporting Cast
The Raiders finished with a disappointing 4-13 record last season, alone among the AFC West teams to miss the playoffs, as Denver, Kansas City, and Los Angeles all advanced. This means Smith faces the challenge of breaking the franchise’s playoff victory drought extending back to 2003, all while competing within a division featuring elite quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix.
However, Smith steps into a promising offensive unit that includes rising talents like tight end Brock Bowers, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, and running back Ashton Jeanty. Bowers distinguished himself as an AP All-Pro rookie, hauling in 112 receptions for 1,194 yards, while Meyers topped 1,000 receiving yards for the first time after assuming lead receiver duties following Davante Adams’ trade to the Jets. Jeanty, the Raiders’ first-round pick this year out of Boise State, finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Geno Smith’s Vision for Team Growth and Success
Smith expressed enthusiasm about the team‘s direction and effort, saying,
“Winning is something that we want to do right now,”
and added,
“Just seeing the direction everything’s going and how hard these guys are working and just how bad everyone wants to win, I’m fortunate to be a part of this thing. I just want to continue to build it, to continue for this thing to grow. The sky’s the limit for this team, this organization. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.”
At 34 years old, Smith brings veteran leadership to the quarterback position, which has impacted not only teammates but also the coaching staff.
Carroll praised Smith’s commitment and leadership, saying,
“He’s just been emblematic of what a leader should be, by his habits and by the way he brings himself every day,”
and noted,
“He’s the first guy out here, he’s the last guy to leave.”
Stabilizing Presence and Leadership Within the Team
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers highlighted Smith’s consistent presence and calm demeanor, saying,
“By having Geno, it kind of brings a sense of stability,”
and noted,
“He knows what he’s doing. He shows up the same every day, his personality stays the same every day. I haven’t seen him have a bad day yet. So I can’t have bad days if the leader has no bad days.”
Smith’s influence as a leader and his relationship with Carroll provide renewed hope for the Raiders to transform their fortunes amid a challenging division and high expectations from fans and management alike.