Raiders Coach Sends Strong Message on QB Geno Smith

Stability is key in the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders haven’t had much of it, but at least there’s a semblance of optimism about some critical areas of need on the roster.

In March, the Raiders traded for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, reuniting him with coach Pete Carroll. A month later, the Raiders doubled down on their commitment by signing Smith to a two-year extension worth a maximum of $85.5 million, with $66.5 million guaranteed.

It was a big price to pay, but a sign that the Raiders fully trust Smith to provide stability and guide them back into contention in the ultra-competitive AFC West.

Among his believers is new quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, who is back for a third stint with the organization. In a Q-and-A with the Las Vegas Review Journal, Olson, 62, raved about Smith’s competitive spirit, work ethic, and ability to rise to the occasion.

“I think he’s extremely competitive, intelligent, he’s accurate,” Olson told the Review-Journal. “Got a lot of intangibles that you like about him, like being a hard worker and great practice player. I can’t say enough good things about him in terms of, to me, the intangibles that he possesses.

“But on top of that, he’s a really great story when you look at what he went through in his career and the years he had in Seattle. Very few players get that second opportunity, and he made the most of it.”

Geno Smith Turned Around His Career in Seattle

Before following Carroll to Las Vegas, Olson was Smith’s quarterbacks coach in Seattle. This made Smith an obvious target when the Raiders were looking to upgrade their quarterback room this offseason.

Smith, 34, rejuvenated his career in Seattle, winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 and making two Pro Bowls. In 2024, Smith passed for a career-high 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions.

While the Seahawks showed interest in keeping Smith, the two sides made little progress in contract talks. According to the Athletic’s Diana Russini, Smith sought between $40-45 million annually on his new deal.

“In my year with him, I couldn’t have asked for a better student than Geno was,” Olson said. “He’s everything you look for as a coach and he gives us a top-tier quarterback.”

Where Did Geno Smith Start His NFL Career?

Smith bounced around the NFL during his first six seasons, spending time as both a starter and a backup. A former 2013 second-round pick (39th overall), Smith was with the New York Jets for four seasons before one-year stops with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers where he backed up Eli Manning and Philip Rivers, respectively.

Smith also got to work behind Russell Wilson for two seasons before Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.

“He’ll speak highly and glowingly of Philip Rivers and what Philip Rivers meant to him and Russell Wilson when he went to Seattle,” Olson said. “So, he’s had two premier quarterbacks in the league that mentored him later on in his career and I think that helped him tremendously. And he’d be the first guy to say that and to give credit to those two guys.”