Raiders QB Geno Smith excited to reunite with Pete Carroll - ESPN

HENDERSON, Nev. — Speaking to reporters for the first time since being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Geno Smith highlighted his relationship with coach Pete Carroll as one of the biggest reasons for wanting to wear the Silver and Black.

«I think there is unfinished business,» Smith said Monday. «And I think, when people think about my story, Coach Carroll was a big part of that. He gave me an opportunity when not many people would have.»

Smith played four of his five seasons with the Seahawks under Carroll. Smith served as a backup for two seasons before emerging as the team's starter after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.

While serving as a backup, Smith said he always believed that he could be a starter. So did Carroll. Smith played in 37 games under Carroll and threw for 8,641 passing yards, 55 touchdowns and 21 interceptions while making two Pro Bowl appearances.

«I mean, not weeks, I'm talking for years playing behind Russell [Wilson], and he just never let up on that thought. And it was so impressive to me,» Carroll recalled. «As soon as we had the opportunity to put him in a position to take the lead, I couldn't wait. And he's been a winner ever since.»

Carroll's belief in Smith has created a bond between the two that seems unbreakable. Smith called Carroll «legendary» and believes the 73-year-old's willingness to let players be themselves and track record for winning makes him an attractive coach to play for.

«I'll run through a wall for him, and he knows that,» Smith said.

«I want to say, I might hit that wall before you get there,» Carroll responded.

When Carroll saw an opportunity to trade for Smith, the team didn't hesitate to get a deal done.