The Las Vegas Raiders are set to begin a new chapter, with a fresh start under center and on the sidelines in the 2025 NFL season. The Raiders welcomed quarterback Geno Smith via a trade with the Seattle Seahawks last March before signing him to a two-year contract extension worth $75 million in April. Before that, the Raiders hired Pete Carroll as their new head coach.
Smith and Carroll are familiar with each other, thanks to their days together in Seattle.
The veteran quarterback, who earned two Pro Bowl nods during his time with the Seahawks, is a big believer in Caroll, whom he thinks is easy to go along with for players.
“I think Coach Carroll is extremely relatable,” Smith said (h/t Mark Anderson of Seattle Sports). “I think he understands that guys have got to be themselves in order to be their best selves. He’s a fun person to be around. You see just how positive he always is, he’s always got a bright smile, he’s always laughing, joking around. It’s not him above the team or anyone above the team. It’s everyone together, collectively.”
Smith wants to win right away with the Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have not been to the playoffs since the 2021 season. They have also won just four games in 2024. But with some changes in the offseason, Las Vegas can hope for a better campaign in 2025. Smith thinks that the Raiders have a promising outlook, especially with some notable young talents on offense in tight end Brock Bowers and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.
“Winning is something that we want to do right now,” Smith stated. “Just seeing the direction everything’s going and how hard these guys are working and just how bad everyone wants to win, I’m fortunate to be a part of this thing. I just want to continue to build it, to continue for this thing to grow. The sky’s the limit for this team, this organization. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.”
In 2024, Smith passed for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns with 15 interceptions through 17 games.
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