Head coach is clearly excited about reuniting with his quarterback this season
The Las Vegas Raiders‘ new starting quarterback, Geno Smith, is often quick to credit the Raiders’ new head coach, Pete Carroll, for reviving his career. Smith and Carroll have a special relationship going back to their days with the Seattle Seahawks, and the head coach is clearly excited about reuniting with the quarterback this season.
“Yeah, I really feel so fortunate that we were able to get that done (trading for Smith in the offseason),” Carroll said during his media session at the Raiders’ OTAs on Wednesday. “John Spytek got it done for us because of all that [Smith] brings. To me, he’s just been emblematic of what a leader should be, by his habits and by the way he brings himself every day. He’s the first guy out here, he’s the last guy to leave. It’s really important to him that he stands for what leadership is all about, and he’s a good football player, too. He’s looked great in practice so far. So, really excited about what he’s bringing.”
Carroll was also asked how he and Smith have picked up where they left off, and his response shows how close their relationship is.
“It’s been a natural transition. From the time we first contacted him and let him know that we were in on this deal, and we were trying to see if we can make some sense of it, we were both excited about it. And so, I feel really like we are connected at the hip,” the head coach explained.
“We have so much background. I mean, it’s not just the couple of seasons that he played; it’s all of the years that he was there. Because to me, coaching the next quarterback up is really, really crucial. And so, we spent a lot of time communicating and setting our priorities straight, staying on course, and he’s just been a champion at that. And now he comes out the other end of that time frame, and he’s an elite quarterback in the league. And so, what he brings to us is great confidence. I know that we’re going to get great play out of his spot. So it’s really easy to work that out.”
Las Vegas has had plenty of turnover at these two positions since the franchise moved to the city in 2020. So, hopefully, the bond between Carroll and Smith can help provide some stability for the Silver and Black.
In Other Raiders’ Links:
- Toughest stretches on 2025 schedule: “Other than a home game against the Giants, Las Vegas is facing a gauntlet at the end of the season,” Silver and Black Pride wrote. “The six games above include five matchups with reigning playoff teams, three of which are on the road, and both Super Bowl participants from last season. Also, this includes the final three divisional games of the year.”
- Can Tommy Mellott elevate the return game?: “A return specialist doesn’t necessarily have to be the fastest player on the field, but it’s that combined elusiveness and vision Mellott showcased during his collegiate career that can be a difference maker in the pros,” S&BP’s Ray Aspuria wrote. “The ability to slither through traffic and make people miss is just as impactful as pure speed. And if Mellott can translate that from Montana State to Las Vegas, the Raiders — particularly McMahon — have a weapon on special teams.”
- Kristian Wilkins lands in Buffalo: The wide receiver was recently released by the Raiders but has found a new home with the Bills, where he’ll compete to make the 53-man roster this summer.
- Ashton Jeanty opens checkbook for No. 2: “I called [Daniel Carlson] and I’m like, ‘I’m trying to get that No. 2. I’m willing to negotiate whatever you’re thinking’,” Jeanty told Kay Adams. “I gave him what I was thinking first, then he came back and I’m like, ‘I gotta do it. I got to drop that little bag for No. 2’…You could buy a nice Mercedes GLE.”