Pete Carroll reveals why Geno Smith is the key to the Raiders' 2025 NFL season

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2025 NFL season with a clear and renewed strategy. Under the leadership of new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, the franchise has committed to building a competitive roster rooted in discipline, ability, and internal competition.

However, there is one position where competition won't be necessary: the starting quarterback. This offseason, the Raiders made a bold move by trading a third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who arrives in Las Vegas as the unquestioned starter.

Geno Smith arrives in Las Vegas as the clear QB1

While most positions on the Raiders' roster will be contested during OTAs, minicamp, and training camp, Smith has already been declared the starting quarterback for the Silver and Black.

His arrival brings not only talent and experience but also the leadership and professionalism that Pete Carroll deeply values. Carroll, who coached Smith during his resurgence in Seattle, made it clear that he strongly advocated for his acquisition.

Carroll's words reflect deep trust in Smith

Speaking to the media on Monday, Pete Carroll shared revealing insights about Smith's character and mentality. "Geno embraced it from the beginning," Carroll said. "I've never been around a guy so consistently focused on, 'I might be in the next play, so I've got to be ready.' He did that for years... We share a lot of common language and experience. Our communication is top-notch."

This level of understanding between coach and quarterback is rare, and it's a big reason why Carroll was eager for a reunion in Las Vegas. The mutual trust they've built is expected to be a cornerstone of the Raiders' new era.

A career of resilience and accomplishments for Geno Smith

Smith, now entering his 11th NFL season, has had a journey marked by adversity but also by perseverance and personal growth. He spent his first two years in Seattle as a backup before earning the starting role. That patience paid off when he was named the 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and selected to the Pro Bowl twice under Carroll's guidance.

That same year, Smith led the league in completion percentage (69.8%), and in 2023, he topped the NFL in fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives, according to Pro Football Reference.

Smith's contract reflects his team-first mindset

Another testament to Smith's character is the contract extension he signed. Worth $75 million over two years, it's a modest deal by today's quarterback market standards. But for Smith, it's never been just about the money-it's about building something meaningful.

His willingness to commit to the Raiders on fair shows his focus on team success over individual gain. It's one of many reasons why Carroll trusts him so deeply-and why that trust could translate into wins for Las Vegas.

A winning formula for the Silver and Black

The relationship between Geno Smith and Pete Carroll goes beyond football. It's built on mutual respect, shared values, and a relentless focus on preparation. That's exactly what the Las Vegas Raiders need as they work to reestablish themselves as contenders in the AFC.

With a talented roster hungry to prove itself and a quarterback who knows what it takes to earn his moment, the Raiders are poised to turn this trust into on-field success in the 2025 NFL season. The Silver and Black have found their leader-and his name is Geno Smith.