Pete Carroll on flight
Pete Carroll (Photo via @grantcohn/X)

New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has set off some trade speculation after being spotted chatting with the general manager and HC of another NFL team for over an hour while on a flight.

Carroll is now the oldest coach in the league after joining the Raiders as their replacement for Antonio Pierce. He hopes to bring his Super Bowl pedigree to Vegas in 2025 after coaching the Seattle Seahawks to a ring in 2014.

As it turns out, Carroll was recorded speaking to his successor in Seattle, Mike MacDonald, as well as the Seahawks general manager, John Schneider, while in first class.

Check him out in the video below:

Pete Carroll Conversation Sets Off Geno Smith Trade Talks

Pete Carroll with headset on
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Pete Carroll looks on during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

 

The conversation between the three men has prompted some speculation, with some fans wondering whether quarterback Geno Smith may have been a topic.

“Carol and Vegas could be looking to trade for Seattle quarterback Geno Smith…” MLFootball suggested.

“So is the 6th pick and Max Crosby enough for Geno Smith?” another user joked.

One fan didn’t think the conversation had anything to do with football.

“Did you know the stewardess will bring me unlimited free gum until we land?” they wrote.

Carroll helped Smith become a Pro Bowler in Seattle after making him a starter following Russell Wilson’s trade to Denver. The QB’s career has been on an upturn since then.

Smith led the Seahawks to a 9-8 record in his first term as a starter, leading the league in pass completion with 69.8 percent as he threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and 2023.

Could a reunion be on the cards?