In a candid moment of reflection, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll didn't mince words about the failed experiment with quarterback Geno Smith. Following a trade that sent Smith back to the New York Jets, Carroll openly admitted the coaching staff's shortcomings played a major role in the quarterback's struggles during a disastrous 2025 campaign.
A Season Gone Wrong
The Raiders' acquisition of Smith, which cost a third-round pick and was followed by a lucrative two-year extension, was meant to solidify the position. While Smith completed a respectable 67.4% of his passes, the production was underwhelming: just over 3,000 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a troubling 17 interceptions. The team's record mirrored the offensive inconsistency, finishing a dismal 3-14, a result that cost Carroll his job.
This week, Las Vegas cut its losses, agreeing to send Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Jets for a sixth-round selection. The move marks a full-circle moment for Smith, who began his career with the Jets after they drafted him in 2013.
Carroll's Candid Admission
Speaking to Jets reporter Rich Cimini, Carroll provided a blunt assessment of what went awry. "He's a phenomenal quarterback, he really is," Carroll stated, via ESPN. "He had a fantastic offseason and preseason with us... Then we just faltered and faltered. We didn't do well enough, coaching."
Carroll placed the responsibility squarely on the staff's shoulders for not preparing Smith adequately for the challenges of the season. "We should've had him better prepared for the things that happened... I take a lot of responsibility in that. We didn't prepare him well enough in the offseason even though he looked great and we felt we had everything lined up. It was very, very disappointing for us both."
A Path to Redemption in New York?
The trade offers Smith a chance at redemption with a familiar franchise. He is just a season removed from Pro Bowl form in 2022 and 2023, where he showcased elite efficiency, including a 70.4% completion rate and over 4,300 passing yards in his final year in Seattle.
Carroll is unequivocally in Smith's corner as he starts this new chapter. "If he saw the reasoning and felt the support and the opportunity, I couldn't be in more favor of it," Carroll said. "I love the guy and want the very best for him. He deserves it. He worked really hard to get where he is."
The move is part of a broader reshuffling for the Jets, who may not be done addressing their quarterback room. Reports suggest they are also eyeing Carson Wentz for a QB2 role, indicating this trade could be just the beginning of their offensive adjustments. Meanwhile, the Raiders are focusing on securing their defensive cornerstone, having recently locked in Maxx Crosby after rebuffing trade interest.
Looking Ahead
Smith's return to New York sets up one of the more intriguing narratives of the upcoming NFL season. Can he recapture the magic that made him a Pro Bowl passer, or will the struggles from Las Vegas linger? Carroll's rare public mea culpa highlights how quickly fortunes can change in the league and sets the stage for a compelling comeback attempt.
All eyes will be on the Jets this fall to see if this reunion can spark a resurgence for both the team and the quarterback looking to prove his best days are still ahead. For more on Smith's return to New York, check out our detailed breakdown of the Geno Smith Jets reunion.
