HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Pete Carroll came to Geno Smith's rescue once before, salvaging what was an NFL career seemingly headed nowhere.
Smith's career wasn't at a point where he needed to be rescued again, but his future in Seattle had reached an impasse, creating uncertainty where the 34-year-old quarterback would go next.
Las Vegas turned out to be that place, a chance for Smith to reunite with his former coach as Carroll begins a new stint with the Raiders.
“I think there is unfinished business,” Smith said. "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, and he saw the hard work that I was putting in. He saw the things behind the scenes that I do that allowed me to get this opportunity.
“To be able to play for him and to be a part of this organization, it means everything to myself and my family. I was just telling him I’ll run through a wall for him, and he knows that. I’ll do the same for my teammates and for this organization.”
The Raiders introduced Smith on Monday morning, and he was flanked by Carroll and general manager John Spytek. Club officials also attended the news conference, including president Sandra Douglass Morgan.
Smith signed a two-year, $75 million extension that takes him through the 2027 season to give the Raiders a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
He failed to reach an agreement with the Seahawks, which became the spark for the March 7 trade in which the Raiders gave up a third-round draft pick.
“He’s going to bring us great stability and belief in the kinds of things that we stand for," Carroll said. “His habits are so stellar. The way he works, the way he looks at the game, the way he looks at the challenges of it all is exactly in line with the way we think. He’ll represent us in magnificent fashion. I think it gives us instant stability in a crucial spot.”
Smith threw for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns with 15 interceptions last season and will be the starter even if Las Vegas selects a quarterback in this month’s draft.
Because the Raiders pick sixth, they almost certainly wouldn’t be in position to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward and might not be able to pick Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. If Sanders is available, the Raiders could select him and follow the path of the Atlanta Falcons, who last year signed free agent Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick.
The Raiders also could pick a quarterback later in the draft such as Mississippi's Jaxson Dart or Alabama's Jalen Milroe, who could sit behind Smith as a developmental player.
Smith will get an offense with an elite tight end in Brock Bowers, some quality offensive linemen and a talented wide receiver in Jakobi Meyers. The Raiders could use a premier running back, No. 1 receiver and another lineman or two.
“(Smith's) journey, the adversity he’s been through, it’s going to be a great resource to our players and this organization,” Spytek said. "He’s kind of seen the worst, he’s been through it, and he’s come out the other side. ... You have a few guys on each roster that set the direction of your team, and I know Geno’s up for that task. That’s why Pete and I are so thrilled to have him ...
