1 week Ago By Ryan Anderson, LAFB Network
At first glance, the seemingly unexpected trade that brought Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders appeared to be primarily driven by financial considerations. This narrative is common in the NFL, where players often seek contracts that align with their perceived market value and may request trades to teams willing to meet those demands. This seemed to be the case when the Raiders swiftly signed Smith to a two-year, $75 million extension shortly after acquiring him.
However, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Smith insists that the move to Las Vegas was not solely motivated by monetary gain. His established relationships with key figures in the Raiders’ new leadership structure – head coach Pete Carroll, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, and minority owner Tom Brady – played a significant role in his decision, offering him a sense of respect and opportunity in his new environment. Smith’s bond with Pete Carroll dates back to his career resurgence in Seattle, a period that saw him earn Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2022 and a subsequent three-year, $75 million extension in 2023.
Even after Carroll’s departure from the Seahawks in 2024, the two remained in close contact as Smith navigated a challenging 10-7 season under a new head coach. Las Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith Looked To Pete Carroll For Guidance Smith revealed, “I would call him whenever I got frustrated. He talked me through things, and he still coached me.
And I think that’s what makes him such a special man, is that he was coaching me even when he wasn’t my head coach. A lot of the things that he was telling me, a lot of conversations we had really kept me steady throughout the season, and kept my head on straight.” The Raiders’ hiring of Carroll as their head coach in January provided a familiar and trusted presence for Smith.
This connection was further strengthened by the presence of new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who had attempted to recruit a young Smith to Oregon over a decade prior. Their connection was rekindled more recently through Kelly’s coaching of Smith’s cousin, star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, at Ohio State. Smith expressed his anticipation for their professional collaboration, stating, “We never got the chance to be player-coach.
But I’ve always wanted to explore that. We’ve always had a good rapport with one another.” Adding another layer of influence was Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback who acquired a minority stake in the Raiders in 2024 and has played a significant role in the team’s organizational overhaul.
Brady recognized the mental fortitude in Smith that could potentially allow him to play into his 40s, as Brady himself did, and his vote of confidence carried considerable weight in Smith’s decision-making process. Ultimately, the combination of excitement surrounding the Raiders’ new leadership, the prospect of a long-term financial commitment extending beyond 2025, and these strong personal connections convinced Smith that Las Vegas presented the most promising future for his career. As Smith himself concluded, “I just thought the opportunity in Vegas, man, it was just too, too, too great to pass up.
” This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission..
