Pete Carroll’s brief tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders has come to an unexpected and disappointing conclusion. After just one season, marked by the team’s struggles and a disappointing 3-14 record, the Raiders, under Carroll’s leadership, have earned the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Geno Smith’s performance faltered considerably, while rookie Ashton Jeanty also faced challenges, leaving the team in a precarious position. Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby was sidelined with a knee injury for the remainder of the season, and initial reports indicated his displeasure with this decision. However, during an appearance on the “Let’s Go!” podcast, Crosby expressed no lingering resentment toward Carroll. He acknowledged the difficulties of the season and praised Carroll’s impact on his career.
Crosby remarked on the unexpected outcome of the season, noting, “This season didn’t go the way we expected it at all. From the players to the coaches, I don’t think anyone expected we would be in this position.” He recognized Carroll’s long-standing success and the respect he has earned as a Super Bowl champion and national champion at USC, stating, “He’s done an incredible job and had an incredible career.”
Despite the circumstances surrounding Carroll’s firing, Crosby reflected positively on their relationship, which suggests that any tensions between the player and the organization may be easing. Although Crosby has been back at the team’s facilities since the shutdown, speculation still looms regarding his potential trade as the Raiders look to rebuild. The team’s current position, with the No. 1 pick, presents an opportunity for significant changes moving forward, and dealing Crosby could yield multiple future first-round picks to assist in their revitalization efforts.
As Carroll departed after just one year, he left behind a legacy of success that may serve as a reminder of what the franchise aspires to achieve in the future. The Raiders now face a pivotal offseason, filled with decisions that could reshape the roster and direction of the team.