Raiders vs. Giants Showdown Carries Major Stakes in Race for 2025 NFL Draft No. 1 Pick
The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants will meet Sunday in a matchup that carries major implications for the 2025 NFL Draft. Both teams enter the game with 2–13 records, and the outcome will help determine who secures the No. 1 overall pick. The Giants currently hold the top spot, but a win would hand that position to the Raiders.
Raiders Shorthanded as Injuries and Disputes Sideline Crosby, Bowers for Crucial Matchup
Las Vegas will be without its two most impactful players for the crucial contest. Tight end Brock Bowers was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week, officially ending his season. Shortly after, star defensive end Maxx Crosby was ruled out with a lingering knee injury, further depleting a Raiders roster already struggling through a difficult year.
Raiders vs. Giants Showdown Carries Major Stakes in Race for 2025 NFL Draft No. 1 Pick
Crosby’s absence has drawn particular attention due to the circumstances surrounding it. According to Fox Sports NFL reporter Jay Glazer, the Raiders wanted to shut Crosby down for the final two games of the season, a decision he strongly opposed. Crosby reportedly left the team facility after disagreeing with the plan, despite having played in all 15 games this season and recording 10 sacks.
Crosby Prioritizes Elite Play as Raiders, Giants Eye Franchise-Changing No. 1 Pick
The veteran pass rusher made it clear that draft positioning is not his concern. Crosby emphasized that his focus remains on being the best defensive end in the league and a leader for his team, leaving decisions about draft strategy to the front office and coaching staff. His comments underscored a tension between individual competitiveness and organizational long-term planning.
The stakes extend beyond Sunday’s game, as the No. 1 pick could shape both franchises’ futures. The Raiders could use the selection to target a franchise quarterback, with Geno Smith not viewed as a long-term solution. Meanwhile, the Giants appear optimistic about rookie Jaxson Dart, which could lead them to trade down if they retain the top pick. The Giants and Raiders will kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Raiders vs. Giants: High-Stakes Showdown Could Decide 2026 NFL Draft’s Top Quarterback
The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, both holding 2-13 records, face off in a critical Sunday matchup with significant implications for the 2026 NFL Draft. The losing team is expected to gain a strong chance at the No. 1 overall pick, making the game pivotal for their rebuilding plans and long-term quarterback strategies.
Maxx Crosby Focuses on Excellence While the Raiders Struggle With Quarterback Performance
Despite the stakes, Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby is unconcerned with draft positioning. Crosby emphasized that his priority is excelling at his position and leading his team on the field, rather than worrying about draft outcomes. “My job is to be the best defensive end in the world,” he stated, highlighting his focus on personal performance and team leadership rather than external factors.
Raiders vs. Giants: High-Stakes Showdown Could Decide 2026 NFL Draft’s Top Quarterback
The Raiders’ potential draft advantage is influenced by their underwhelming quarterback performance this season. Veteran Geno Smith, brought in during the offseason, has struggled, completing 67.1% of his passes for 2,849 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 14 starts. His interception total ties for the league lead, underscoring the team’s need for a long-term solution at quarterback.
Raiders Could Draft Top Quarterback While Giants Rely on Rookie Jaxson Dart
If the Raiders lose, the No. 1 overall pick would allow them to target the top quarterback in the upcoming draft, as Smith does not appear to be the franchise’s long-term answer. This selection could reshape the team’s future, offering a chance to build around a young and talented quarterback while addressing ongoing offensive challenges.
Meanwhile, the Giants seem to have a promising young signal-caller in rookie Jaxson Dart. Despite injuries to key teammates, Dart has shown potential, completing 62.1% of his passes for 1,835 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 407 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. The Sunday matchup, scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET, will test both teams’ resilience and may determine which franchise secures the draft’s top prospect.
Lions Weigh Hutchinson’s Extension as Edge Rusher Market Hits Record Highs
The defensive end market saw a major shift when the Las Vegas Raiders signed Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension. This contract set a new record for the average annual salary for a defensive player at $34.5 million per year.
The deal not only secures Crosby’s future with the Raiders but also establishes a new benchmark for elite edge rushers seeking extensions. This impacts high-profile players such as Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, and Aidan Hutchinson, who are all due for new contracts soon.
Lions Must Decide on Hutchinson’s Extension Amid Injury Concerns and Rising Market
The Detroit Lions will need to address Hutchinson’s contract situation in the near future. While they have the flexibility of his fifth-year option to extend negotiations until 2026, the Lions have historically preferred to lock up their key players early.
This strategy allows them to avoid contract disputes and stay ahead of rising market prices. However, Hutchinson’s case is unique due to his recent serious injury, raising questions about whether the Lions should commit to a market-setting deal immediately.
Lions Weigh Hutchinson’s Extension as Edge Rusher Market Hits Record Highs
Despite his injury, many believe the Lions should secure Hutchinson with a record-breaking extension this offseason. Delaying negotiations could ultimately lead to a more expensive deal as other edge rushers sign lucrative contracts, pushing the market value even higher.
Additionally, Hutchinson has already demonstrated his value to the team over the past two and a half seasons, showing elite production and leadership. The Lions would benefit from locking him in at today’s market rate rather than facing an inflated price in the future.
Hutchinson’s Resilience and Financial Strategy Make Early Extension the Right Move
Concerns about Hutchinson’s injury may be overstated, as he is already nearing the end of his rehab and is expected to have a full offseason to train.
His history also suggests he can overcome such setbacks—he previously suffered a broken ankle in college but returned the following season to have his best year yet, nearly winning the Heisman Trophy. Given his proven resilience and work ethic, there is little reason to doubt that he will return to peak form.
Extending Hutchinson now also makes sense from a financial standpoint. The Lions’ 2023 draft class—including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch—will all become eligible for extensions next year. Managing five major contracts in one offseason would put significant pressure on the team’s salary cap structure.
By securing Hutchinson’s deal ahead of time, the Lions can better distribute their cap space and ensure financial flexibility for future extensions. With his talent and impact on the field, Hutchinson deserves a deal in line with Crosby’s, and the Lions should act quickly to finalize it.
When the Las Vegas Raiders needed to hire a general manager and head coach, most NFL owners would have been deeply involved in every part of the process. But Raiders owner Mark Davis turned to Tom Brady for help.
Davis gave Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion and current NFL analyst, significant influence over these decisions after he joined the team as a minority owner in October. Brady led a committee that chose Pete Carroll as head coach and John Spytek as general manager.
“I’ve been telling you all since the beginning of this is that the one thing I know is what I don’t know,” Davis said. “I’m going to surround myself with people who do know these things, and I’m going to give them the opportunity to do their job. I give them vision, goals. We talk about those things, but results are what speak. It’s fairly easy to do that if you understand where you are.”
The Raiders are not where Davis wants them to be. He hopes to return the team to its former glory, like the days under his late father, Al, who created an organization that won three Super Bowls.
The Raiders have only made two playoff appearances since their last Super Bowl appearance 22 years ago, but Davis still wants the team to be great again.
That’s why Brady is involved. Davis also made Brady a minority owner of the Las Vegas Aces, who won the 2022 and 2023 WNBA championships after giving coach Becky Hammon a record-setting five-year, $5 million contract.
“We happen to have the greatest of all time to help us and to see clearly, and we’re going to lean on Tom as much as we possibly can for his insights because nobody has the insights that he has,” Carroll said. “He’s that unique. But the quarterback position is one of the positions on the team, and we’ve got to make it all fit together well.”
Tom Brady and Aidan Hutchinson before a playoff game
The Raiders have a big challenge ahead: finding a quarterback in a tough AFC West where each of their rivals has already secured that position.
Patrick Mahomes is looking for his third straight Super Bowl title and fourth overall with the Kansas City Chiefs. Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers is highly talented. Bo Nix helped the Denver Broncos make the playoffs in his rookie year.
The Raiders have started the past two seasons with Aidan O’Connell as their quarterback, but he hasn’t shown he’s the long-term solution.
Spytek was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ front office when they signed Baker Mayfield two years ago. Mayfield’s career turned around, and he helped the Bucs win the NFC South title in back-to-back seasons.
Mayfield followed Brady as the starting quarterback in Tampa, after Brady helped the team win a Super Bowl in 2020. Spytek and Brady were also college teammates at Michigan.
“I had a chance to be around in my opinion the greatest player ever, and it was a love of the game and a competitive desire that just didn’t allow him to quit,” Spytek said. “He was never out of a fight. He was willing to do things that the ordinary football player or person wasn’t willing to do. We’re going to turn over every stone to find that leader for this team, too.”
Brady’s role will go beyond just finding a quarterback. “This is his opportunity to put his stamp on a franchise, and so we’re excited to represent that, bringing him into it,” Carroll said.
“Mark has done an incredible job to figure out how to formulate this plan so that we can all fit together. (Brady has) been involved and he’s going to be involved, and we’re going to lean on him like crazy.”
Now, the big question is whether this plan will work. Will Brady end up acting as the de facto general manager, or will he mostly offer input on major decisions? Only time will tell.
“There’s a lot that goes into this, but to think about how fortunate we are to have Tom Brady with us,” Carroll said, “it’s just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
After the Las Vegas Raiders hired Pete Carroll as their new head coach last week, rumors quickly surfaced about a potential reunion between Carroll and his former quarterback, Russell Wilson. Carroll and Wilson enjoyed considerable success together with the Seattle Seahawks, winning a Super Bowl and making another appearance, although their relationship reportedly soured toward the end of Wilson’s time in Seattle. Despite this, the two seem to be on good terms again, fueling speculation that Wilson could join the Raiders.
Wilson had reportedly shown interest in the Raiders for the 2024 season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This development was further supported by The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, who contributed to the growing speculation about a possible move. Wilson, currently set to become a free agent in March, is looking for a new team after spending last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers following his release from the Denver Broncos.
Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll (NFL)
Wilson’s time with the Broncos was marked by tension with head coach Sean Payton, with both seemingly exchanging subtle jabs earlier this year. This added friction between Wilson and Payton has led to increasing chatter about Wilson returning to the AFC West. The possibility of him playing against Payton and the Broncos in 2025 has captured the attention of fans and pundits, as it would add an extra layer of drama to the season.
As Wilson heads into free agency, his next move is eagerly anticipated. Whether he joins the Raiders or another team, the idea of him reuniting with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas has added an intriguing dimension to the ongoing NFL offseason rumors. Fans are eagerly watching how these developments will unfold, especially with the potential for Wilson to face off against his former team and coach.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ plans are starting to take shape, and you can see the influence of Tom Brady’s time in Tampa Bay in these plans.
The Raiders have hired John Spytek as their new general manager. Spytek’s football career intersected with Brady’s twice: once when they both played college football at Michigan, and again when Spytek worked in the Buccaneers’ front office.
The general manager Spytek worked under in Tampa, Jason Licht, was also part of the New England Patriots’ scouting staff and front office during Brady’s time with the team. Licht reshaped the Buccaneers’ culture by hiring the 68-year-old Bruce Arians out of retirement, and when Arians and Licht wanted to make a strong cultural impact, they brought in Brady late in his career.
If we compare plans, you can see some similarities to what Brady experienced in Tampa Bay. Spytek is like Licht, and Pete Carroll, who was hired by the Raiders on Friday, is similar to Arians. The next step is for Brady to find his own version of Tom Brady, or at least someone he trusts to help build a strong foundation for the team.
Russell Wilson might be an option for this role
This has become a real possibility due to Wilson’s history with Carroll from their time together with the Seattle Seahawks, as well as Wilson being a reliable veteran quarterback who can help guide the Raiders until they find their next long-term starter.
Wilson’s free-agent market will likely be limited, so he could be open to a short-term contract with performance-based incentives instead of a long-term, guaranteed deal.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels watches from the sideline during an NFL football game
Does this make Wilson the Raiders’ next quarterback? Not necessarily. But it gives them another option at the position while still keeping the door open to drafting a quarterback in April. At 36, with some of his physical abilities declining, Wilson’s challenge now is finding a team willing to offer him a starting role. If that means going to a team that is planning to develop a younger player behind him, Wilson might have to accept that.
Any team that brings Wilson on board will likely use him as a temporary solution rather than a long-term fix. If he were more than a stopgap, the Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn’t have let him go to free agency.
While he might not be the quarterback that Raiders fans are hoping for, he could provide the franchise with time if neither Cam Ward nor Shedeur Sanders are seen as worthy of trading assets for in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Another key decision for the Raiders will be Carroll’s choice of offensive coordinator, which will likely come from a group of familiar names. One of Wilson’s former offensive coordinators in Seattle, Darrell Bevell, might be considered.
Other candidates could include former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and Tampa Bay’s current quarterbacks coach, Thad Lewis, both of whom worked with Brady during his time in Tampa.
Bevell, a trusted assistant for Carroll, is now the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins. Leftwich, however, has not coached in the NFL since he was fired by the Buccaneers after the 2022 season.
The Raiders’ Bold Past and the Search for Stability
Before moving to Las Vegas, the Raiders were known for being a risky, high-stakes team. Their former owner, Al Davis, often said, “Just win, baby.” But during his later years, and after his son Mark took over following Al’s death in 2011, this approach didn’t always lead to the best results.
The Raiders were known for quickly changing cities, coaches, and quarterbacks. They made bold decisions, like picking JaMarcus Russell as the No. 1 overall pick and hiring Lane Kiffin as a 31-year-old head coach. They took chances on big-name free agents and untested coaches. Unfortunately, these moves didn’t work out, and the Raiders have not won a playoff game in the past 22 seasons.
Pete Carroll: A Steady Choice for the Raiders
Now, facing the task of hiring a new coach, the Raiders made a more cautious decision, possibly influenced by minority owner Tom Brady. They announced that they had hired Pete Carroll, the 73-year-old former Super Bowl-winning coach of the Seattle Seahawks.
Carroll is a known and reliable coach, and his hiring came with few surprises. While his age may limit his potential for the long-term, he could still help the Raiders become competitive again.
Carroll is a well-respected coach, having spent 18 seasons with three teams: the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks. He had only four losing seasons and finished with a 170-120 career record. Carroll also reached two Super Bowls, winning one with Seattle in 2013.
His hiring is seen as a safe bet for the Raiders, who wanted to bring in an experienced coach to help guide the team back to success. Hiring a football coach is always uncertain, but Carroll is one of the most reliable choices available.
In Seattle, Carroll led the Seahawks to the playoffs 10 times over 14 seasons. He won more than 60 percent of his games and built a strong team culture.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones celebrates with teammates after an interception
The Raiders likely hired Carroll because they wanted to get serious about competing, especially in the tough AFC West, where teams like Kansas City, Denver, and the Los Angeles Chargers are led by experienced coaches.
The division is full of strong teams, and without a solid roster, even the best young coach might struggle.
While it’s uncertain how Carroll will perform in his 70s, he still has a lot of energy. His positive attitude and passion, which he showed when coaching the Jets, Patriots, and USC, are still very much present.
The Raiders did not expect to hire a coach who will lead them for the next 15 years, but they chose someone who can quickly start improving the team. Carroll is focused on winning now, and he might even bring his former Seattle quarterback, Russell Wilson, to Las Vegas if their relationship improves. If not, he will continue building a strong team culture.
Carroll has always been known for his fun yet competitive coaching style. His drive to create competition within his team helped build Seattle’s legendary defense, known as the “Legion of Boom.” Fans can expect more of that with the Raiders.
This hiring is a smart, stable move for a team that has often taken risks in the past. It’s a sensible decision, and it may turn out to be a great one for the Raiders in the long run.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels watches from the sideline during an NFL football game
The New England Patriots have brought in former Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator. This will be McDaniels’ third time in the role with the team, but it is his first since Bill Belichick’s departure.
Coaching Changes in New England
Along with McDaniels, the Patriots hired Terrell Williams as their new defensive coordinator. Williams, who spent six years on Mike Vrabel’s staff in Tennessee, was promoted from his previous role as the Lions’ defensive line coach. The team has also kept Jeremy Springer as special teams coordinator.
McDaniels’ History with the Patriots
McDaniels worked as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator during Vrabel’s final years as a player in New England. He has a long history with the team, having worked under Belichick for 15 years, including nine years as the offensive coordinator. McDaniels contributed to all six of the Patriots’ Super Bowl wins. His next task will be mentoring quarterback Drake Maye, who is entering his second season with the team.
Mike Vrabel talks to the reporters
Williams’ Background and Impact
Williams comes to New England after serving as the defensive run game coordinator for the Detroit Lions last season, where their defense ranked fifth in the NFL for fewest yards allowed per game. He was also part of Vrabel’s first staff in Tennessee and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2023.
Springer’s Success with Special Teams
Jeremy Springer, who remains as special teams coordinator, had success last season with Brenden Schooler making the first team All-Pro and securing his first Pro Bowl spot. Marcus Jones also led the league with a 14.8-yard average on punt returns. Springer previously spent time as a special teams assistant with the Los Angeles Rams and coached in college for eight years.
McDaniels’ Coaching Journey
McDaniels left New England in 2009 to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos for two years. After a brief stint as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, he returned to the Patriots. He then took over as the Raiders’ head coach in 2021, but was fired mid-season in 2023.
Other Candidates Interviewed by the Patriots
The Patriots also interviewed several other candidates for their coaching staff, including Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, former Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, and Los Angeles Chargers passing game coordinator Marcus Brady.
The Las Vegas Raiders are starting to show signs of improvement, thanks to Tom Brady’s involvement, though he may have gotten a bit too involved.
What stands out about this shift is that the seven-time Super Bowl champion has been a part-owner of the team since October. It looks like Brady is taking a leading role in making important decisions following the team’s disappointing 4-13 season.
Though Brady is only speculated to have around five percent ownership, his influence goes far beyond his title as a minority owner. There are whispers that his presence has played a big part in recent changes with the team’s leadership.
During the Raiders’ rough season, interim head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco stepped in after the midseason firing of Josh McDaniels. Raiders owner Mark Davis reportedly hesitated to make these moves, but it seems Brady’s advice helped push him toward the changes.
Sources close to the team say that Brady strongly recommended “a total reset” to get the franchise back on track. One insider even mentioned, “This is Tom’s show now,” highlighting Brady’s increasing role in the organization.
Brady’s involvement goes beyond just being a figurehead. Despite his busy schedule as Fox’s lead NFL analyst, a position that includes a 10-year, $375 million contract, Brady is deeply involved in the team’s future plans. From coaching decisions to management changes, Brady’s input is having a significant impact.
Las Vegas Raiders players celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the 2nd half
The Raiders are now looking for new candidates for both the general manager and head coach positions. Brady has reportedly been actively involved in the interview process. Some of the names being considered include defensive coordinators Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs) and Aaron Glenn (Lions), and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (Lions).
Former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is also on the list, and there is even talk about Mike McCarthy, who was recently let go by the Cowboys, possibly being a candidate.
Although Brady’s direct involvement with daily operations is limited by his broadcasting career, his partnership with owner Mark Davis signals a mutual commitment to rebuilding the team. Davis, known for making bold decisions, seems to be on board with Brady’s vision, positioning the Raiders for potential big moves in the future.
Antonio Pierce, who took over as head coach midseason, had a short tenure that ended with the firing. His time as coach was filled with challenges. Tom Telesco’s exit after just one season adds to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future.
As Brady juggles his roles as both an NFL analyst and minority owner, the pressure is on the Raiders. The competition for top talent is fierce, with other teams like the Cowboys, Bears, and Jets also on the hunt for the best players and coaches. The Raiders will need to make swift, well-informed decisions if they want to stay competitive.
The Las Vegas Raiders have initiated a significant organizational shift, terminating head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco ahead of the 2025 season. This move signals a new era for the team as they begin the search for fresh leadership. A notable aspect of this transition is the involvement of minority owner and Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady in the hiring process. Reports suggest Brady has taken an active role in advising team owner Mark Davis, highlighting the Raiders’ intent to attract top talent for their next head coach.
One prominent candidate in the Raiders’ search is Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Brady has been instrumental in the recruitment effort, spending substantial time discussing the role with Johnson. Brady’s input has provided Johnson with a detailed perspective on the opportunities and challenges in Las Vegas, demonstrating the quarterback-turned-owner’s influence on team decisions.
Raiders Shakeup Includes Coach and GM Firings as Tom Brady Joins Leadership Search Amid Controversy
Brady’s involvement, however, has drawn criticism from fans and commentators, who argue that his dual role as a Fox Sports broadcaster and Raiders minority owner creates a conflict of interest. Critics claim this undermines his objectivity as an analyst, particularly regarding games involving potential coaching candidates or teams like the Lions. Many have called for Brady to step down from broadcasting, questioning his ability to maintain neutrality while also engaging in team operations.
Fans’ concerns highlight broader questions about the propriety of Brady’s unique position within the NFL. As a minority owner, he is subject to strict league regulations, which limit his interactions with other teams and forbid public criticism of officials or organizations. These rules aim to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fair competition across the league. However, Brady’s active participation in recruiting has sparked scrutiny, with some fans suggesting it could cross the line into tampering or policy violations.
The NFL will likely monitor Brady’s actions closely to ensure compliance with its policies. Any breach of anti-tampering or other league rules could lead to consequences for both Brady and the Raiders. As the team moves forward in its head coach search, the spotlight remains on how Brady navigates his dual responsibilities, balancing his influence as an owner with his obligations as a broadcaster and league figure.
Will Ben Johnson leave his role as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions to take one of the jobs he’s interviewed for? As the Lions get ready to play the Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs, Johnson is focused on the present, but talks about his future continue to grow.
Starting last Thursday, the speculation about Johnson joining the Raiders grew stronger. This coincided with the Raiders firing G.M. Tom Telesco, which opened up a possibility for the “alignment” Johnson has said is important when working with the front office.
Johnson wouldn’t directly ask for Telesco or anyone else to be fired. However, if a team really wants Johnson, they need to understand the hints and act on them. It seems the Raiders, who are interested in Johnson, have done just that.
Johnson reportedly left his interview with the Raiders feeling positive about the team and minority owner Tom Brady, who has been involved in the ongoing search for a new coach.
There’s also a rumor that the Raiders have made a “massive” contract offer to Johnson. While it’s too early for formal offers, as the Raiders haven’t yet had a face-to-face interview with him, the idea of a big offer is being discussed unofficially.
Whether this rumor is true remains to be seen. Raiders owner Mark Davis is not known for being one of the wealthiest owners in the NFL. After recent buyouts of Jon Gruden, Josh McDaniels, Dave Ziegler, Antonio Pierce, and Telesco, the team might have to spend big to secure Johnson.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams
A big offer could upset other owners who want to avoid bidding wars for coaches, as there is no salary cap or franchise tag for coaches, which could lead to rising prices.
But for Johnson, it’s not just about money. If he works for the Raiders, he would also have access to Tom Brady. While Brady can’t attend production meetings for his job with Fox, he is allowed to talk to coaches and players about the games he’s covering. He will be working the Lions’ game this weekend.
Johnson cannot be hired until the Lions’ season is over. This could mean Brady calling Johnson’s last game with the Lions, just before Johnson could join Brady on a private plane to Las Vegas.
Right now, there doesn’t seem to be another team that fits. Johnson has interviewed with the Raiders, Bears, Jaguars, and Patriots. The “alignment” he’s looking for is not present in Jacksonville, and likely isn’t available with the Bears.
Unless the Cowboys, who missed their chance to interview Johnson before the Lions’ season ends, make a last-minute offer, it looks like it’s either the Raiders or staying with the Lions for Johnson.
More and more people within the league believe that Johnson will end up with the Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders players warms up during an NFL football training
With the recent firings of Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce last week, the Las Vegas Raiders now have job openings for both general manager and head coach for the second year in a row, and the third time since 2022.
What makes this situation different is the involvement of minority owner Tom Brady and how much influence he may have on owner Mark Davis when it comes to hiring a new GM and coach for the team.
So now, the speculation about who will take over as head coach has begun. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn have already been linked to the position.
Other names being mentioned include Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
There are also older names being brought up, like Pete Carroll and Jon Gruden, who was the Raiders’ head coach from 2018-2021 before he resigned following the release of emails containing offensive language.
As for the general manager position, there hasn’t been much information yet on potential candidates.
The list of candidates will likely grow, but no matter who is chosen by Davis (and possibly Brady) to be the team’s fifth general manager (following Mike Mayock, Dave Ziegler, Champ Kelly, and Telesco) and fifth head coach (following Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Pierce) since the team moved to Las Vegas in 2020, they will face a mix of challenges and opportunities.
Antonio Pierce in the news conference
Here are some important points for the 2025 NFL draft:
Early mock drafts: Reid | Yates | Miller
Rankings: Kiper | Reid | Yates | Miller
Big questions | QB Board | Positional rankings
Pick order | Scouting evaluations | More
On the positive side, the Raiders hold the sixth overall draft pick and have an extra third-round pick from the trade that sent Davante Adams to the Jets, giving the new GM eight picks to build the team.
Last year, Telesco made smart choices with the first three picks, including tight end Brock Bowers, who became just the fourth rookie tight end to be named first-team All-Pro, as well as two starters on the offensive line, left guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson and right tackle DJ Glaze.
The Raiders also have $107.3 million in salary cap space, the second most in the NFL, according to OverTheCap.com. Another selling point for attracting a GM and coach, along with free agents, is that Nevada has no state income tax.
Having only moved to Nevada five years ago, the Raiders also have one of the best NFL facilities, with Allegiant Stadium, which Bill Belichick once called the “Taj Mahal” of NFL stadiums. It has all the luxury features one would expect from Las Vegas.
When it comes to the team’s roster, the Raiders have solid foundation players like Bowers, who set the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie in a season with 112 catches, and Maxx Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end.
Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will return from a foot injury, and receiver Jakobi Meyers recently had the first 1,000-yard receiving season of his six-year career.
So, the roster isn’t lacking in talent.
However, a new coach may be facing a major rebuilding job in the AFC West, which has strong coach-quarterback pairs like Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs, Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers, and Sean Payton and Bo Nix with the Denver Broncos.
While second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell showed that he could step in as a capable starter, an upgrade at quarterback is still needed.
Aidan O’Connell warms up before the game
It’s worth remembering that Derek Carr was the Raiders’ undisputed starting quarterback from 2014 until he was benched with two games remaining in the 2022 season. Since then, Jarrett Stidham, Jimmy Garoppolo, O’Connell, Brian Hoyer, Gardner Minshew, and Desmond Ridder have all started at quarterback.
The team was already thin at the start of the season. According to the Raiders, 31.8% of their Week 1 starters spent time on injured reserve, which tied for the highest in the league.
As a result, 37.6% of the team’s snaps were played by players in their first or second year, the third-highest in the NFL. The team also had an average age of 25 years and 344 days, making it the second-youngest roster in the league.
Still, the Raiders finished with a disappointing 4-13 record, and with many free agents expected to leave, there are more questions than answers, particularly on defense.
Several key players are set to become free agents, including edge rushers Malcolm Koonce (who suffered a torn ACL just before the season opener) and K’Lavon Chaisson, defensive tackles Adam Butler and John Jenkins, linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, slot cornerback Nate Hobbs, and safeties Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moehrig.
Additionally, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s contract, which had the defense ranked No. 10 in total defense going into the last game, also expired.
So, while the Raiders have some talent, the task of rebuilding the team remains a big challenge.
