Geno Smith Reunites with Pete Carroll: Raiders Acquire Pro Bowl QB from Seahawks.
The NFL world was rocked by a blockbuster trade as the Seattle Seahawks sent quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. The move not only reshapes the Raiders’ quarterback room but also reunites Smith with his former head coach, Pete Carroll, who recently took on a senior advisory role in Las Vegas after parting ways with Seattle.
A Shocking Yet Logical Move
Smith, a Pro Bowler in 2022, led the Seahawks to a surprising playoff appearance that season and was rewarded with a three-year contract extension. However, after an inconsistent 2023 campaign, speculation arose about Seattle’s long-term plans at quarterback under new head coach Mike Macdonald. The Seahawks, now shifting toward a defensive-minded approach, saw an opportunity to reset and gain assets by trading Smith.
For the Raiders, the move makes perfect sense. After a season of instability at quarterback—rotating between Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Aidan O’Connell—Las Vegas needed a proven veteran to stabilize the offense. Smith, with his experience and playmaking ability, provides an immediate upgrade and competition for the starting job.
Pete Carroll’s Influence in Las Vegas
While Pete Carroll is not the head coach of the Raiders, his presence in the front office may have played a role in acquiring Smith. Carroll was instrumental in revitalizing Smith’s career in Seattle, giving him the starting job over Russell Wilson’s replacement in 2022. Under Carroll, Smith thrived, leading the NFL in completion percentage that season and earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
His familiarity with Carroll’s philosophies, along with his ability to manage games efficiently, makes him a great fit for the Raiders’ offense under new head coach Antonio Pierce.
What This Means for the Seahawks and Raiders
For the Seahawks, this trade signals a shift toward a new era. Whether they plan to roll with backup Drew Lock or draft a quarterback remains to be seen, but it’s clear they are moving in a different direction.
For the Raiders, this trade gives them a veteran leader at quarterback who has proven he can win games. Smith’s leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding a young offense, especially with weapons like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers.
NFL World Reacts
The reaction to this trade has been mixed. Some Seahawks fans feel Seattle is giving up on Smith too soon, while others believe it’s the right move to look toward the future. Meanwhile, Raiders fans are divided—some see Smith as a bridge quarterback, while others hope he can replicate his 2022 form and lead the team to playoff contention.
Regardless of how things play out, one thing is certain: Geno Smith and Pete Carroll are back together, and the Raiders are hoping that reunion will lead to success in Las Vegas.
