Pete Carroll continues to stand by Geno Smith, despite their disappointing season with the Raiders, and insists the veteran quarterback still has the talent to make a meaningful impact with the Jets, his original NFL team.
Not that Carroll didn’t find it slightly ironic or amusing that Smith is returning to New York after their turbulent first stint together, given the history and the ups and downs they experienced during his tenure with Gang Green.
“I had to chuckle a little bit because of the history and all,” Carroll told ESPN on Wednesday, reflecting on Smith’s career arc and the unusual circumstances surrounding his return to the team that drafted him in 2013.
Carroll, who coached Smith from 2019-23 with the Seahawks, maintains a strong relationship with the quarterback, and continues to call him “phenomenal,” emphasizing that his perspective on Smith is shaped by years of mentorship and personal connection.
“I love talking about G,” said Carroll. “I think I see him differently than a lot of people see him. I love him and appreciate him differently.
“He had a fantastic offseason and preseason with us, and he comes out in the first game, has a great first game. It was all fitting. It was exactly the right time for us. Then we just faltered and faltered. We didn’t do well enough, coaching.”
“We should’ve had him better prepared for the things that happened, and that wouldn’t have happened. I take a lot of responsibility in that. We didn’t prepare him well enough in the offseason even though he looked great and we felt we had everything lined up.”
Carroll, who led Seattle to a Super Bowl title in 2014, orchestrated the 2025 trade that brought Smith to Las Vegas, hoping they could recreate some of the chemistry they shared in Seattle but it never worked out.
Smith, who was traded back to the Jets on Tuesday, led the league in interceptions allowed (17) and sacks taken (55) last season, while Carroll also fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after 11 games, marking a disastrous year for the Raiders as a team.
Despite the rough season, Smith, who threw for over 4,200 yards in two of his three Seattle seasons, continues to hold Carroll in high regard and remains grateful for the coach’s mentorship, praising him as a Hall of Fame-caliber leader.
Carroll expressed support for Smith returning to New York, noting that the Jets drafted him in 2013, and highlighting Smith’s early career with the franchise, which included 29 starts before an injury led to a benching.
Raiders’ Max Crosby reacts as Ravens trade collapses
It’s been just over 24 hours since the Ravens backed out of their blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, creating confusion, speculation, and debate, yet Crosby finally spoke directly, posting on Twitter to clarify his position on staying with the Raiders.
The Raiders did not exactly breathe a sigh of relief as the trade talks with Baltimore fell through, leaving Crosby and his family prepared to finalize a move that never materialized, but they aren’t exactly weaker with the pass rusher either.
“Everything Happens For A Reason,” said Crosby, “Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. I’m a Raider. I’m Back. Run That Sh*t,” along with an eagle emoji, a pirate flag, and a GIF of The Undertaker emerging from a flaming coffin.
Crosby’s statement signals commitment and focus on the Raiders again, showing fans and the organization that he is ready to continue contributing, despite earlier reports that he requested a trade to explore other opportunities.
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