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 greatest causes for desirous to put on the silver and black.
“I believe there’s unfinished enterprise,” Smith mentioned Monday. “And I believe, when folks take into consideration my story, Coach Carroll was an enormous a part of that. He gave me a chance 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 crew’s starter after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.
“I am going to run via a wall for him, and he is aware of that.”
Geno Smith, on coach Pete Carroll
Whereas serving as a backup, Smith mentioned he at all times 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 enjoying 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 ready 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 horny coach to play for.
“I am going to run via a wall for him, and he is aware of that,” Smith mentioned.
“I need to say, I would hit that wall earlier than you get there,” Carroll responded.
When Carroll noticed a chance to commerce for Smith, the crew did not hesitate to get a deal finished. The Raiders despatched a 2025 third-round decide to Seattle for Smith, who mentioned he has no onerous 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 value as much as $85.5 million and contains $66.5 million in assured cash.
In Las Vegas, Carroll mentioned, Smith offers “immediate stability” at quarterback after three straight dropping seasons and having six gamers begin at quarterback since shifting on from Derek Carr after the 2022 season.
Regardless of Smith’s ultimate season in Seattle being thought-about a down yr 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 method, however I simply really feel that I am one of many higher quarterbacks within the NFL,” Smith mentioned. “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 mentioned he is thrilled to have Smith because the quarterback as a result of the veteran’s journey might be a terrific useful resource to the remainder of the crew.
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 house.
“I went to his house and obtained an opportunity to only spend about an hour and simply speak ball with him and simply discuss life,” Smith mentioned. “… I need to study as a lot as I can from him, the best quarterback to play the sport. I imply, there’s so many issues that you could study. I believe the principle factor is that I am right here to win, and I am right here to do the fitting issues for my teammates, simply as he did.”
