The Las Vegas Raiders are playing in their first preseason game Thursday, August 7. The Raiders will face the Seattle Seahawks at 10:00 PM EST.
This is the destination for two members of the Raiders. Pete Carroll and Geno Smith have been head coaching and QB for four seasons in Seattle. Thursday’s preseason opener will be their first game at Lumen Field. Geno Smith will start the preseason with the Seahawks in Las Vegas.
Can the Raiders win Pete Carroll and Geno Smith in their first game in Seattle?
“It’s not just friendship. It’s a shared experience.”@Raiders Head coach Pete Carroll talks about the importance of bringing @genosmith3 To silver and black ⬇️ @Omardruiz @cfrelund pic.twitter.com/itsceihdlp
– NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 4, 2025
Pete Carroll served as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks for 14 seasons. He helped the team win the first and only NFL championship of 2014. After the 2023 season, Seattle split with its long-time head coach. Carroll exited the league in the 2024 season but was hired by the Raiders in the offseason. When he found a job, Carroll had a plan at QB.
Las Vegas traded with the Seahawks to acquire Geno Smith. Carroll served as head coach of Seattle for four seasons. When Russell Wilson traded from Seattle, Smith had a chance to start with QB. He thinks Pete Carroll helped him think differently about himself. Before his time in Seattle, Smith struggled with a chance to be a starter.
Pete Carroll, Geno Smith and Jamal Adams all return to Seattle tonight. pic.twitter.com/dwdztm4kab
— Jack Stellman (@jacksettleman) August 7, 2025
However, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks resumed Smith’s career. In his first season as Seattle starter in 2022, Smith threw a career-high 30 touchdowns and started all 17 games. In 2024, senior QB has a career-high 4,320 yards. However, Carroll was fired by the Seahawks and Smith was traded.
The head coach and QB pairing will return to Seattle for the first time Thursday night. Las Vegas played a preseason with the Seahawks. Another former Seahawks are also in the Raiders’ 2025 roster. Former Pro Bowl Safety Jamal Adams is the backup for the Raiders this season. Pete Carroll is expected to be warmly welcomed by Seahawks fans before tonight’s game. Can I pay tribute to Carroll on Jumbotron?
