Geno Smith‘s latest chapter in the NFL comes with both a familiar face and a sense of unfinished business.
Following his trade from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders last month in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, Smith wasted no time cementing his place in his new home, signing a two-year, $75 million extension with the team.
Smith was officially introduced in Las Vegas on Monday, reuniting with former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who assumed the Raiders’ top job in January.
The duo’s partnership was instrumental in the quarterback’s career resurgence in 2022, and Smith made it clear he’s eager to write another successful chapter under Carroll‘s leadership.
“There is unfinished business. When people think about my story, Coach Carroll is a big part of that,” Smith told reporters, as quoted by NBC Sports.
“He gave me an opportunity when not many people would have, and he saw the hard work I was putting in, he saw the things behind the scenes that I do that allowed me to get this opportunity.”
A defining reunion with high expectations
Smith‘s praise for Carroll extended beyond football. The 33-year-old quarterback credited the coach’s personal approach and winning mentality as reasons for his loyalty.
“To be able to play for him, to be part of this organization, it means everything to myself and my family,” Smith said. “I was just telling him, I’ll run through a wall for him, and he knows that.”
He added, “He’s very relatable. He loves all of his players like they’re his kids. He treats us all the same. He treats us like men. He allows us to make decisions. He allows us to be ourselves. He’s legendary. His track record speaks for itself. He competes every single day and that’s what I love about him.”
Smith‘s resurgence in 2022 was a major storyline for Seattle. After years spent in backup roles across the NFL, he became the starter and threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His accuracy led the league at 69.8 percent, earning him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection.
Reflecting on Seattle and looking ahead
Smith‘s time in Seattle came to an emotional end, but his gratitude toward the franchise was evident. After the Seahawks shared a video tribute highlighting his six-year tenure, Smith responded on social media.
“My love for Seattle cannot be described in words. I wish I could’ve done more to express that. Thank You for a memorable 6 years!”
Although he started only two seasons, Smith finished his Seahawks career with a 28-24 record as a starter and over 12,900 passing yards. Now, with Carroll by his side once more, Smith is focused on helping the Raiders contend in the AFC.
The Raiders are expected to enter a competitive rebuild under Carroll, who is tasked with reshaping the team’s identity. With Smith under center and a familiar system in place, Las Vegas may have just found its foundation for the future.
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