Jon Gruden Praises Raiders’ Trade for Geno Smith and Sees Buccaneers as Super Bowl Contenders

Former Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden has given his stamp of approval to some of the biggest moves in the NFL offseason. In a recent interview with Andrew Whitworth and Ryan Fitzpatrick, Gruden discussed the Raiders’ acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith, praised Maxx Crosby’s contract extension, and even pegged the Buccaneers as potential Super Bowl contenders.

Despite his controversial exit from the NFL in 2021, Gruden remains one of the most recognizable figures in football, and his opinions on roster moves and coaching strategies continue to carry weight. His latest takes shed light on two teams that he believes could be in for big seasons in 2025.

Jon Gruden on the Raiders: “They’re on the Right Path”

One of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason was the Las Vegas Raiders trading for quarterback Geno Smith, a move that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. However, Gruden is a fan of the decision, citing it as a key reason why he believes the Raiders are heading in the right direction.

“I like the Raiders up front, and I like the fact that Pete Carroll’s in charge with Geno Smith. They’re on the right path right now.”

Gruden’s comment regarding Pete Carroll may have been a slip, as Carroll is no longer the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, the team where Smith had a career resurgence. However, the message was clear: Gruden believes in Smith and the Raiders’ decision to bring him in as their quarterback.

After losing out on top free-agent quarterbacks, the Raiders opted to trade for Smith, who had a breakout season with Seattle in 2022 and followed it up with a solid 2023 and 2024 campaign. This move provides them with a steady veteran presence, a capable leader, and a quarterback who can guide the team to a playoff push.

Maxx Crosby’s Contract Extension: A Key Move for the Raiders

In addition to the Geno Smith trade, the Raiders also made a major financial commitment to pass rusher Maxx Crosby, giving him a lucrative contract extension that, for a short time, made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL before Myles Garrett later broke the record.

Gruden was quick to highlight Crosby’s impact on the team, calling the deal essential for keeping a key leader happy.

“Keeping guys like Maxx Crosby happy… he just signed that big deal as a pillar of your program. And how much does he mean to that team?”

Having coached Crosby from 2019 until his resignation in 2021, Gruden had a front-row seat to Crosby’s growth into one of the NFL’s most dominant edge rushers. The former coach particularly emphasized Crosby’s relentless effort and high snap count, an area where many defensive linemen struggle.

“When you watch a guy’s effort and when you watch his playing percentage, a lot of these defensive linemen nowadays play 57% of the snaps, 66% of the snaps. And that’s not being disrespectful. That’s a fact. Max Crosby plays every snap. He played every snap for nine straight weeks. He’s not getting the credit he really deserves.”

Crosby has been the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense, and ensuring he remains happy and motivated is crucial for Las Vegas’ playoff hopes.

Gruden Believes the Buccaneers Can Contend for a Super Bowl

While Gruden praised his former team, the Raiders, he also singled out another franchise he once coached—the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to the Super Bowl-winning coach, the Buccaneers have what it takes to compete for another championship.

“I think Tampa Bay’s already proven they can win the South. I think they can be a Super Bowl contender.”

The Buccaneers have won the NFC South for two consecutive seasons, but many have doubted their ability to compete with the top teams in the NFC, especially with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. However, Gruden appears to believe in Tampa Bay’s system and their defensive prowess.

One of the main reasons for his confidence? Head coach Todd Bowles and his defensive schemes.

“I know Todd Bowles is a pain in the a to go against. They do a great job with multiple fronts and blitzes and coverages. I think if they can get a few defensive players, I think Tampa Bay could be really good.”**

The Buccaneers already boast a talented defensive core, including Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Devin White. If they can make key additions in free agency or the draft, they could become a serious Super Bowl threat.

Jon Gruden’s Journey with the Raiders & Buccaneers

Gruden’s connection to both the Raiders and Buccaneers runs deep.

• He first coached the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001, helping the team become a contender in the AFC.
• In 2002, the Buccaneers made a blockbuster trade to acquire Gruden, giving up multiple first-round picks and cash.
• That same season, Gruden led Tampa Bay to its first-ever Super Bowl victory, defeating his former team, the Raiders, in Super Bowl XXXVII.
• After an extended broadcasting career with ESPN, he returned to the Raiders (now in Las Vegas) in 2018.
• He resigned in 2021 following leaked emails in which he allegedly used racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language.

Despite his controversial departure from the NFL, Gruden remains a widely respected football mind, and his opinions on roster moves, coaching strategies, and team building continue to hold weight in the football world.

Final Thoughts: Gruden’s Outlook for the 2025 Season

As the NFL offseason heats up, Jon Gruden has given his take on two teams that he believes are heading in the right direction:

✔ Las Vegas Raiders – With the addition of Geno Smith and the retention of Maxx Crosby, Gruden believes the team is moving forward on the right path.

✔ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Already NFC South champions, the Bucs have the defensive talent and coaching to become Super Bowl contenders in 2025.

It remains to be seen whether Gruden’s predictions will come true, but one thing is clear—he’s still got his eye on the teams he once coached, and he still has plenty to say about the NFL.

For Raiders and Buccaneers fans, the 2025 season could be one to watch.