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How the Past Determined the Raiders' Current Situation

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 8:19 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Raiders Revamp: From Pete Carroll to Geno Smith and Davante Adams

In a bold reshuffling of personnel, the Las Vegas Raiders have thrown their full weight behind a new offensive identity. The centerpiece of that effort is the acquisition of veteran quarterback Geno Smith and the high‑profile signing of tight end Davante Adams, a duo that promises to inject both experience and playmaking ability into a unit that struggled to find rhythm in 2022. The narrative that ties these moves together, however, is rooted in the Raiders’ historic connection to former head coach Pete Carroll—a man whose tenure in Las Vegas set the foundation for a high‑powered offense that the team is keen to resurrect.

Pete Carroll: A Legacy Revisited

The article opens by revisiting Pete Carroll’s two‑season run as Raiders head coach (2001‑2009), during which he guided the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2003 and cultivated a reputation for aggressive, quarterback‑centric play. Carroll’s departure in 2009 left a void that the franchise has struggled to fill. The piece underscores that the Raiders’ decision to bring in Geno Smith—who had spent a season with the Seahawks under Carroll’s guidance—creates an indirect but intriguing link to the former coach’s offensive philosophy.

Carroll’s tenure was characterized by a reliance on an agile offensive line and a tempo that kept defenses off‑balance. The Raiders’ current front office appears intent on emulating that approach by pairing a mobile, accurate passer with a versatile tight end who can stretch the field. The article draws parallels between Carroll’s early Raiders and the modern duo of Smith and Adams, suggesting that the team may be looking to build a “Carroll‑era” offensive mindset around a more flexible game plan.

Geno Smith: A Veteran’s Second Chance

A detailed breakdown of the trade that brought Geno Smith to Las Vegas highlights the financial and roster implications. The Raiders acquired the former Jets quarterback in a three‑player swap that involved a $2.5 million signing bonus and a compensatory pick in 2025. The contract—$25 million over four years, $3.5 million of which is guaranteed—positions Smith as the starting quarterback, offering a familiar face and a proven skill set in a league that now values both precision and mobility.

The article notes Smith’s performance in his lone season with the Seahawks under Carroll, where he logged a 68% completion rate and 2,000 passing yards. His experience is seen as a bridge between the Raiders’ past and present offensive schemes. Moreover, the article quotes Raiders’ offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who praised Smith’s work ethic and adaptability, citing him as “the perfect fit for our new playbook.”

Davante Adams: The Tight End Revolution

The Raiders’ most high‑profile signing came in the form of Davante Adams, who joined Las Vegas on a three‑year, $45 million contract, guaranteed $15 million. Adams, who previously shone as a tight end for the Green Bay Packers, is expected to add a critical dimension to the Raiders’ passing attack. The article outlines Adams’ career totals—over 15,000 receiving yards and 100 touchdowns—and emphasizes how his versatility as a blocker and a deep‑threat receiver can complement Smith’s dual‑role quarterbacking.

The piece includes insights from Raiders’ running backs coach, highlighting Adams’ work ethic and his ability to lock down defenses. Analysts quoted in the article predict that Adams’ presence could elevate the Raiders’ offensive line, as it will now be required to protect a high‑volume passing game that leverages both the quarterback’s arm and the tight end’s route‑running skills.

New Coaching Staff and Systemic Shifts

Beyond the marquee acquisitions, the article dives into the Raiders’ broader strategic overhaul. Following Pete Carroll’s departure, Las Vegas hired Tony Sparano as head coach—an unconventional choice given his defensive background. Sparano’s role, as explained in the article, is to modernize the Raiders’ offensive scheme while maintaining the core principles that Carroll championed.

Sparano’s hiring is contextualized by a reference to a separate SI.com piece that details his defensive accomplishments with the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Commanders. The Raiders’ decision to bring him on board signals a shift towards a more balanced attack, where the defense and offense inform each other. The article also notes that the Raiders are overhauling their offensive line coaching staff, bringing in seasoned veteran Mike Harris to lead the unit.

Projected Impact and Expectations

The summary concludes with an assessment of how these changes might translate on the field. The article projects that, with Geno Smith’s precision and Davante Adams’ explosive play, the Raiders could see a significant uptick in passing yards and points per game. It cites preseason predictions that the Raiders could finish near the top of the AFC West in passing efficiency, a stark contrast to their 2022 performance.

In terms of long‑term vision, the article positions the Raiders’ front office as intent on building a sustainable offensive platform that balances veteran experience with younger talent. By drawing inspiration from Pete Carroll’s early Raiders days, the organization aims to re‑establish itself as a formidable offensive power while also cultivating a culture of resilience and adaptability.

Key Takeaways

• Pete Carroll’s Legacy: The Raiders are revisiting the offensive philosophy that defined Carroll’s early tenure in Las Vegas.
• Geno Smith Acquisition: A three‑player trade brought the veteran quarterback, offering experience and a proven skill set for the 2023 season.
• Davante Adams Signing: A three‑year, $45 million contract that injects a proven playmaker into the offense.
• New Coaching Dynamics: Tony Sparano’s hiring as head coach and Mike Harris on the offensive line staff signal systemic changes.
• Projected Improvement: Analysts anticipate a substantial rise in passing efficiency and overall offensive output.

Through these strategic moves, the Las Vegas Raiders are clearly signaling an intent to return to the high‑powered, dynamic offense that once brought them championship contention—this time with a new core of talent and a fresh coaching philosophy.