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Ryan McFadden
Henderson, Nev. – Talking to journalists for the first time since he was changed from the Seattle Seahawks to the Raiders of Las Vegas, the field marshal Geno Smith highlighted his relationship with coach Pete Carroll as one of the main reasons to want to use silver and black.
“I think there are pending issues,” said Smith on Monday. “And I think, when people think of my story, coach Carroll was a large part of that. He gave me a chance when not many people would have done it.”
Smith played five of his six seasons with the Seahawks under Carroll. Smith served as support for two seasons before emerging as a team head after Russell Wilson was changed to Denver’s Broncos in 2022.
“I will run through a wall for him, and he knows it.”
Geno Smith, in coach Pete Carroll
While serving as support, Smith said he always believed he could be a headline. Carroll did so. Smith played in 37 games with Carroll and launched for 8,641 aerial yards, 55 touchdowns and 21 interceptions while making two appearances in Pro Bowl.
“I mean, no weeks, I’m talking for years playing behind Russell [Wilson]And he never left that thought aside. And it was very impressive to me, “Carroll recalled.” As soon as we had the opportunity to put it in a position to take the lead, I couldn’t wait. And he has been a winner since then. “
Carroll’s belief in Smith has created a link between the two that seems unwavering. Smith called Carroll “Legendary” and believes that the will of 73 years of letting the players themselves and their history of winning, makes him an attractive coach to play.
“I will run for a wall for him, and he knows it,” said Smith.
“I want to say that I could hit that wall before getting there,” Carroll replied.
When Carroll saw the opportunity to change for Smith, the team did not hesitate to reach an agreement. The Raiders sent a third round of 2025 to Seattle for Smith, who said he has no resentments on how things ended with Seahawks.
Since then, Smith has signed an extension of several years with the Raiders. The Raiders did not reveal the terms on Monday, but a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN last week that Smith received an extension of two years and $ 75 million that can be worth up to $ 85.5 million and includes $ 66.5 million in guaranteed money.
In Las Vegas, said Carroll, Smith provides “instant stability” in Quarterback after three consecutive losing seasons and that six players begin in Quarterback since Derek Carr moved after the 2022 season.
Although Smith’s last season in Seattle is considered a negative year after launching 15 interceptions, he finished fourth in air yards (4,320) and fifth as a percentage of completion (70.4%).
“Not in a arrogant or arrogant way, but I feel that I am one of the best NFL quarters,” Smith said. “I went out and prove it.”
Carroll is not the only one excited about Smith’s arrival. The general manager of the Raiders, John Spytek, said he is delighted to have Smith as a field marshal because the veteran’s trip could be a great resource for the rest of the team.
Smith even received a video call with Tom Brady once the exchange had been completed and was invited to the house of the minority owner.
“I went to his house and I had the opportunity to spend an hour and talk to him and talk about life,” said Smith. “… I want to learn everything I can from him, the best field marshal to play. I mean, there are so many things that you can learn. I think the main thing is that I am here to win, and I am here to do the right things for my teammates, as he did.”
