The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the new NFL season with several significant changes in leadership and personnel, aiming to reverse the franchise’s recent struggles. Owner Mark Davis has shifted much of the organizational control to minority owner Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl winner played a key role in bringing in Pete Carroll as head coach and his former Michigan teammate, John Spytek, as general manager.
Under this new leadership structure, the Raiders traded for quarterback Geno Smith — who previously played for Carroll in Seattle — and drafted running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick. The team also made a notable decision to part ways with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins following a dispute regarding his foot injury recovery.
The Raiders hope to be more competitive under Carroll’s guidance but face tough competition within their division, sharing the AFC West with Kansas City, Denver, and the Los Angeles Chargers — all playoff teams last year. The franchise has not appeared in the Super Bowl since the 2002 season or won a playoff game since then, which is a stark contrast to Al Davis’ era when three Lombardi Trophies were captured.
There are expectations that Carroll, who coached Seattle to two Super Bowls and one championship, will bring an identity that has been missing from Las Vegas’ football team. Team success this year would mean challenging for a playoff spot. However, reaching another Super Bowl title is seen as a longer-term goal requiring further development.
New arrivals include Smith at quarterback; rookies like Jeanty at running back; wide receivers Dont’e Thornton and Jack Bech; guard Alex Cappa; defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV; linebackers Germaine Pratt, Elandon Roberts and Devin White; cornerbacks Darien Porter and Eric Stokes; and safety Jeremy Chinn.
Departures comprise quarterback Gardner Minshew; running backs Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah; center Andre James; Wilkins at defensive tackle; linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo; cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jakorian Bennett; along with safety Tre’von Moehrig.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby has fully recovered from ankle surgery that ended his previous season early and performed well during training camp. Second-year tight end Brock Bowers is seen as one of the league’s top talents at his position and contributed significantly to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers surpassing 1,000 receiving yards last year. Jeanty is considered by BetMGM Sportsbook as a favorite for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Smith brings stability at quarterback — something Las Vegas had been lacking.
However, concerns remain about team depth if injuries occur. Questions persist about whether offensive line play will enable skilled players to perform well. On defense, Crosby stands out as an elite pass rusher but does not have many peers on his unit — making it easier for opponents to limit his effectiveness without stronger supporting performances from teammates. Losses at linebacker and cornerback may also prove difficult to address.
In training camp developments, Jordan Meredith secured the starting center job over Jackson Powers-Johnson, who moved to right guard where he competes with Cappa for playing time. Darien Porter appears poised for a starting cornerback role though Kyu Blu Kelly provides competition there as well. Booker’s acquisition adds competitiveness among defensive tackles striving to fill Wilkins’ absence.
Jeanty is expected to be an integral part of both rushing and passing attacks on offense this season — increasing both his real-world impact for Las Vegas and value for fantasy football participants interested in multipurpose skill players who could become foundational roster pieces long-term.
Las Vegas’ odds for winning the Super Bowl currently stand at 100-1 according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
