When Geno Smith signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, it wasn’t just about a new opportunity – it was about the potential to win a Super Bowl.
And while several factors influenced the veteran quarterback’s decision, one of the most impactful voices behind the scenes was none other than Tom Brady.
Brady, widely considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history, has taken on a growing role in the Raiders’ front office and reportedly played a key part in encouraging Smith’s arrival.
According to Smith, Brady’s endorsement came with a message that still resonates.
“What I was talking to Tom about, this is something he said, and this is true: We don’t want to celebrate contracts. We want to celebrate wins,” Smith said. “And the thing is, that just kind of set the tone for the team. This is our quarterback.
“This is the direction we’re headed. And there’s no gray area there. Everything’s set in stone. And when you have that, when you can set a real plan, then you can get things going.”
Smith joins the Raiders after five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he reestablished himself as a starter.
While his move to Las Vegas is partially a fresh start, it’s also a homecoming of sorts – he’s reuniting with Pete Carroll, the coach who helped revive his career.
“There is unfinished business,” Smith said of his partnership with Carroll. “When people think about my story, Coach Carroll is a big part of that. He gave me an opportunity when not many people would have, and he saw the hard work 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, to be 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.”
Smith praised Carroll as “everything a player could ask for in a head coach.”
“He’s very relatable. He loves all of his players like they’re his kids. He treats us all the same. He treats us like men. He allows us to make decisions. He allows us to be ourselves,” Smith said. “He’s legendary. His track record speaks for itself. He competes every single day and that’s what I love about him.”
Carroll’s arrival is part of a larger shift in culture for a Raiders team trying to distance itself from years of instability.
Last season, the franchise cycled through three different starting quarterbacks – Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder – before deciding to bet big on Smith.
The Raiders’ confidence is reflected in the deal: a near-$90 million contract extension that shows they view Smith not just as a short-term patch, but a cornerstone.
“As far as the contract, I’m very grateful, very thankful, very appreciative,” Smith said. “But my main focus is to go out there and win games, set the tone, and be a better version than anyone’s ever seen of me.”
Smith also touched on his departure from Seattle, where a lack of mutual respect during contract talks prompted the split – even if the franchise eventually pivoted to Sam Darnold.
“Obviously, they have young guys in the building that they want to step up and be leaders, and they got a new head coach last year,” Smith told TheMMQB. “And Mike was good for us, and I really enjoyed being with him for that season.
“But again, man, when you’re talking about business, and you’re talking about a quarterback who wants not only to get paid – every player wants to get paid – but to be respected, that’s the most important thing. It’s the respect factor. And I just felt like there was a disconnect there.”
Now, with Brady in his corner, Carroll back on the sidelines, and a new chapter unfolding, Geno Smith has one goal in mind – and it’s not financial.
It will be interesting to see what the Raiders do if Shedeur Sanders is still on the board when they’re on the clock with the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Brady and the Raiders have long been rumored to be very interested in Sanders. Despite their significant commitment to Smith, they could still draft Sanders and have him sit and develop behind Geno (just like Aaron Rodgers did behind Brett Favre in Green Bay.)
What are your thoughts on how that might play out?
How about Smith’s brutally honest take on the situation in Seattle? … Are your surprised he felt so disrespected???
