Like Smith, Jacobs is hoping to start a new renaissance of his football career with the Raiders. He’s hell-bent on doing so to expand upon his legacy of success and solidify his legacy. In hindsight, that was such a great bold move by the Raiders to walk away with Smith. In return for sending a 2025 third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks, the Saints plugged their ongoing leak toward the quarterback position since moving on from Derek Carr after the 2022 season.
Smith finished that final year in Seattle ranked fourth in passing yards and fifth in completion percentage. He’s looking forward to reconnecting with his old college coach, Pete Carroll. During the campaign, he repeatedly referred to Carroll as “legendary.” The coach’s talent for creativity of the players helped in winning game after game. Through five seasons their relationship has developed tremendously. Filling in as the backup, Smith took the reins when Wilson was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
During his time with Carroll, Smith started 37 games and threw for 8,641 yards, 55 TDs and 21 INTs. Overall, he would earn two Pro Bowl berths, further cementing his legacy as an underrated talented quarterback. Even while throwing a league-high 15 interceptions last season, Smith’s complete body of work resulted in the Raiders giving him a three-year extension. Smith’s contract is reported to be as much as $85.5 million, with $66.5 million in guarantees.
Smith credited a unique bond with Carroll that he considers unbreakable. He talked about the fascinating things he learned from a recent video conference with Tom Brady. He shared the story of going to the home of one of the team’s minority owners.
“I went to his home and got a chance to just spend about an hour and just talk ball with him and just talk about life.” – Geno Smith
Smith’s arrival brings “instant stability” to the Raiders’ quarterback position. General Manager John Spytek thrilled to add Smith, feeling he makes the team much deeper. He hopes to use that journey as an invaluable resource for his teammates.
Smith discussed his experience with the Seahawks. He expressed that he bears no resentment toward how things concluded. His experiences have only served to increase a chip on his shoulder and recommit him to success in Las Vegas.
“I’ll run through a wall for him, and he knows that.” – Geno Smith
Carroll praised Smith’s perseverance during their time together, highlighting the quarterback’s unwavering dedication even while playing behind Wilson for years.
“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.” – Pete Carroll
Smith stated his preference for leaving behind “unfinished business.” He’s looking to move past individual accomplishments and return his focus on helping make the Raiders as a team more successful.
As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, Smith’s leadership and experience may prove crucial in reversing the team’s fortunes after three consecutive losing seasons. His previous successes under Carroll certainly make him an interesting figure to watch in this new position.
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