Pete Carroll, newly appointed head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is preparing for his first major public appearance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
However, before even stepping foot in the event, Carroll found himself at the center of attention following an unusual interaction on his flight to Indy.
As it turns out, Carroll was on the same flight as Seattle Seahawks officials, including head coach Mike MacDonald and general manager John Schneider.
The three reportedly engaged in a nearly hour-long conversation in first class, which was so noticeable that flight attendants had to ask Carroll to return to his seat.
At first glance, Carroll chatting with MacDonald and Schneider might not seem unusual.
After all, Carroll’s longstanding relationship with the Seahawks’ brass and his recent advisory role with the team makes frequent communication a normal occurrence.
However, the timing and length of their conversation have sparked speculation that it could have been more than casual talk.
Is it possible that the three were discussing a potential quarterback move? … Perhaps a reunion between Carroll and current Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith???
The Raiders are currently exploring quarterback options following struggles from both Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell last season.
Carroll played a pivotal role in Geno Smith’s resurgence as Seattle’s starter, making a reunion with the veteran quarterback an intriguing possibility for the Raiders.
Smith, a Pro Bowler in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, is still under contract with the Seahawks but there are rumors that the team could look to move him.
Given Carroll’s familiarity with Smith and the Raiders’ need for a stable quarterback, Las Vegas could be a potential landing spot for Smith.
While Carroll’s lengthy meeting with MacDonald and Schneider caused quite a stir on social media, it’s unlikely that any real, concrete trade discussions took place.
Notably, Raiders general manager John Spytek was not present during the interaction, making it doubtful that formal negotiations were underway.
Although it’s unclear whether the conversation between Carroll, MacDonald, and Schneider was about business or merely personal, the speculation surrounding the Raiders’ quarterback search has intensified.
There are reports that Vegas minority owner Tom Brady is attempting to lure Matthew Stafford to the desert. There have also been rumblings that Brady is interested in Sam Darnold as well.
The bottom line is the Raiders are not as far off as what some people think.
Of course, they need a capable quarterback if they are to go anywhere, especially since they play in the brutal AFC West.
Having said that, Vegas has several talented pieces in place. If they’re able to bring a win-now quarterback into the fold, they could become one of the more interesting teams to watch in 2025.
What are your thoughts on the QB situation in Vegas?
Who should they target? … Smith? Stafford? Darnold? Kirk Cousins? Daniel Jones? Shedeur Sanders? … Who do you think???
