Raiders pursue a bold new era with Carroll and Smith

Pete Carroll and Geno Smith bring a proven winning duo to a Raiders rebuild under new ownership seeking a fresh start.

Raiders Tap Carroll and Smith to Spark a New Era

HENDERSON, Nev. The Las Vegas Raiders have hired Pete Carroll, the veteran coach, and Geno Smith, the former Seahawks quarterback, as the centerpieces of a broad rebuild that includes minority partners like Tom Brady. Carroll will coach again in the NFL while Smith shifts from Seattle in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a two-year extension worth 75 million, with 66.5 million guaranteed, and the Raiders will cover the remaining 31 million of his contract.

Carroll and Smith arrive amid a franchise rebuilding that fans hope will reverse a long streak of losing seasons. Carroll is 73 and still energetic, and Smith has drawn praise for leadership and work ethic. The preseason tie against Seattle offered a first glimpse of a new dynamic. They emphasize accountability and competition as the team opens a new chapter under a reshaped ownership group.

The Raiders are betting on culture and leadership as the path to success, not just upgrades in players. The ownership push aims to reset a franchise that has struggled with consistency and competitiveness for years. Financial commitments, including Smith’s large extension, will shape how the rest of the roster is built and maintained. The move signals a broader strategy to draw attention and credibility through recognizable names, but it also imposes pressure on performance to justify the cost.

This approach mirrors a trend in the league where durable winners are brought in to stabilize faltering franchises. It could pay off if the locker room buys in and the front office manages resources carefully. The risk lies in potential friction between high salaries, a demanding coach culture, and long-term salary cap realities that could limit future moves.

Highlights

Time will tell if this fresh start sticks.