Geno Smith's Return to the Jets: A New Chapter Under Pete Carroll's Guidance

On Tuesday, March 12, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders traded quarterback Geno Smith to the New York Jets in exchange for a late-round pick swap, marking Smith's return to the team that originally drafted him in 2013. This trade comes after a challenging season for Smith with the Raiders, where he led the league in interceptions and faced significant struggles, contributing to the team's disappointing 3-14 record. Former head coach Pete Carroll, who was fired after one season with the Raiders, expressed optimism about Smith's potential resurgence with the Jets.

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Pete Carroll, who coached Smith during his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, believes that Smith will rebound in his second stint with the Jets. Carroll stated, "He's a phenomenal quarterback, he really is," emphasizing that Smith had a strong offseason and preseason with the Raiders. However, Carroll took responsibility for Smith's struggles, admitting, "We should've coached him better." He noted that the entire offensive unit, including the offensive line, failed to perform adequately, which hindered Smith's ability to succeed.

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Carroll highlighted that Smith's difficulties were not solely his fault, attributing part of the blame to poor pass protection from the Raiders' offensive line. He remarked, "We got killed... We needed to upgrade that more than we did." This lack of support forced Smith into unfavorable situations, leading to a series of poor performances. Carroll's acknowledgment of these challenges reflects a broader understanding of the complexities involved in quarterback performance.

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Geno Smith himself has recognized his shortcomings during the season but has expressed gratitude for Carroll's support. He stated, "That man is special... I wanted to win a Super Bowl for him because that's how much he means to me." As Smith returns to the Jets, he aims to build a new relationship with the fan base and community, hoping to leverage the lessons learned from his previous experiences.

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The Jets have made significant improvements to their roster, including enhancements to their offensive line, which was ranked 15th in pass blocking in 2025. With key players like running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, Smith is positioned to perform at a higher level than during his previous tenure with the team. Carroll expressed his support for Smith's decision to return to New York, stating, "If he figured out [New York] was a good place for him... I couldn't support him more."

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As Geno Smith embarks on this new chapter with the Jets, both he and Pete Carroll are hopeful for a turnaround in fortunes. Carroll's faith in Smith's abilities, coupled with a more supportive team environment, sets the stage for a potentially successful season ahead. Smith's journey reflects the complexities of professional sports, where past experiences can shape future opportunities.

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