2024 Season Recap: A Rough Year for the Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 season was fraught with challenges, marking their first and only full year under head coach Antonio Pierce. The team’s record of 4-13, which placed them fourth in the AFC West, was a stark reminder of the hurdles they faced. While they managed to win two of their last three games, the Raiders endured a 10-game losing streak at one point, ultimately missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year. The season was marked by a lack of consistency, particularly at the quarterback position, where the team rotated between Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder due to injuries and poor performance. This instability, coupled with the firing of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy after just nine games and the departure of two other position coaches in November, contributed significantly to the team’s struggles.
A New Era Begins with Pete Carroll
Despite the disappointing 2024 season, the Raiders took a promising step forward by hiring Pete Carroll as their new head coach to replace Antonio Pierce. Carroll, known for his seasoned leadership and success in the NFL, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the franchise. His ability to foster a positive and disciplined environment is crucial for a team that has been lacking in both areas. The Raiders also bolstered their quarterback situation by trading for Geno Smith, who had previously started for Carroll in Seattle in 2022 and 2023. Smith’s familiarity with Carroll’s system and his proven performance could provide the stability the Raiders desperately need at the most crucial position.
Defensive Cornerstone: Maxx Crosby
On the defensive side, the Raiders secured a significant foundation by agreeing to a groundbreaking three-year, $106.5 million extension for pass rusher Maxx Crosby. This record-breaking deal underscores the team’s commitment to building a formidable defense around one of their most impactful players. Crosby’s presence is a cornerstone, and his extension provides a sense of continuity that was sorely missing in other areas of the team. With Carroll at the helm and Crosby anchoring the defense, the Raiders have the potential to transform their defensive unit into a more reliable and effective force.
NFLPA Report Card: A Mixed Bag
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) gave the Raiders a ranking of 4th out of 32 teams in their 2025 report card. The new team facility received high marks across the board, reflecting the organization’s commitment to providing a top-notch environment for their players. Owner Mark Davis also earned praise for his support and engagement with the team. However, the players did not always feel that Antonio Pierce was efficient with their time, a sentiment that could change under Carroll’s leadership. The report card highlights the areas where the Raiders have excelled and where they need to improve, setting the stage for a more productive and cohesive offseason.
Key Free Agents and Decisions
The Raiders face several important decisions this offseason regarding their key free agents. Safety Tre’von Moehrig, despite having a career-high 104 tackles and two interceptions last season, is a player they should prioritize retaining. Moehrig has been a top-15 safety in the league over the past two seasons in various metrics, according to Pro Football Focus. His contributions are invaluable, especially as the defense loses several starters. Other notable free agents include Marcus Epps, Ameer Abdullah, Nate Hobbs, Adam Butler, John Jenkins, Robert Spillane, and Divine Deablo. The Raiders’ ability to retain or replace these players will significantly impact their defensive and special teams units.
Offseason Needs and Financial Flexibility
The Raiders have a clear list of needs to address this offseason, starting with the running back and wide receiver positions. Their ground game was the worst in the league last season, averaging just 79.8 yards per game. Bringing in a veteran running back or selecting a promising rookie in the draft could provide a much-needed boost to their offense. Additionally, the team needs to find more weapons around tight end Brock Bowers, who had an outstanding rookie season with 112 catches but only five touchdowns. Enhancing the wide receiver corps will not only support Bowers but also improve the overall offensive balance.
The Raiders enter the offseason with an estimated $96 million in cap space, which is the second-highest in the league. This financial flexibility gives them the opportunity to make significant roster upgrades. Notably, the team is considering potential cuts to players like Gardner Minshew II and Andre James to further optimize their cap space. Minshew, despite starting for a good portion of the season, is likely to be released, saving the team about $6.3 million. James, who lost his starting center position to rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson, could also be cut, freeing up more than $3 million after June 1.
Draft Strategy and Potential Picks
The Raiders have a solid draft position with the 6th overall pick in the first round, along with several other picks in subsequent rounds. One of the most intriguing prospects for the Raiders is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. While some might argue that selecting a running back with the 6th overall pick is too rich, Jeanty’s combination of speed, burst, toughness, balance, vision, and pass protection skills makes him a compelling choice. He is ranked as the fourth-ranked overall player on Yahoo Sports NFL Draft experts’ consensus big board, and his addition could revitalize the Raiders’ struggling ground game.
In the later rounds, the Raiders can continue to bolster their offensive line and wide receiver positions. The team’s focus on improving these areas will be crucial, especially with Geno Smith behind center. Smith’s experience with heavy pass rush pressure in Seattle underscores the importance of investing in the offensive line to provide him with the necessary protection. The addition of Jeanty, along with further investments in the offensive line and wide receiver room, could set the stage for a more competitive and dynamic offense in 2025.
Fantasy Outlook: A Brighter Future with Geno Smith
The Raiders’ fantasy outlook has improved significantly with the addition of Geno Smith. Fantasy managers have long been calling for a capable quarterback to unlock the potential of rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who showed top-10 overall fantasy upside with 112 catches as a rookie. While his five touchdowns were modest, Smith’s presence could increase the scoring opportunities for Bowers and the rest of the offense. The combination of a seasoned quarterback, a dynamic tight end, and potential upgrades to the running back and wide receiver positions makes the Raiders’ offense an intriguing option for fantasy football players in 2025.
