NFL Rumors: Raiders Trade for Geno Smith Had a 'Major Sign-Off From Tom Brady'

New Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback Geno Smith is plenty familiar with Pete Carroll—the two were paired together for four seasons in Seattle.

Carroll pushing to be reunited with Smith didn't come as much of a surprise. But minority owner Tom Brady was fully on board as well.

According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, "Smith, sources say, requested a trade last Thursday night following four days of unsuccessful contract negotiations. Simply put, Seattle was never going to get to the number Smith wanted. Carroll, with a 'major sign-off from Tom Brady,' as one source familiar with the negotiations said, pulled the trigger Friday evening to land his former quarterback. Leadership, work ethic, arm talent and clutch play all contributed to Carroll wanting to make the trade."

Smith, 34, revitalized his career in Seattle after flopping with the New York Jets and serving as a backup with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers. He's been a Pro Bowler in each of the last two seasons, though his 2024 campaign (4,320 yards, 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 50 sacks) was a bit of a down year by his recent standards.

The hope will be that reuniting with Carroll will help him return to the form he displayed during the 2022-23 seasons. Brady reportedly was sold on the possibility.