The Las Vegas Raiders under new ownership by Mark Davis and co-owner Tom Brady promised big changes, and have begun with significant coaching staff changes and roster shuffles. Legendary player Tom Brady played an influential role in recruiting experienced coach Pete Carroll (with over fifteen years’ worth of NFL experience). Carroll quickly addressed quarterback issues immediately upon arriving on campus resulting in speculation regarding various possible signings.
No one anticipated what transpired next: amid reports linking Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers from former Jets franchise to Oakland Raiders; instead they surprised many by signing Geno Smith from Seahawks in exchange for 3rd round pick in 2025 draft and surprising many by selecting him over Matthew Stafford or Wilson or Rodgers who may have been expected. Carroll now had one familiar quarterback back under center but not necessarily his expected one!
The Raiders then made headlines by releasing quarterback Gardner Minshew, who signed a two-year deal in 2024 but had a disappointing 2-7 record with the franchise that year. This move saves the Raiders $6.34 million against the salary cap, despite resulting in $7.66 million in dead money. Minshew’s departure, partly due to performance issues and a collarbone injury which saw Aidan O’Connell step in, opens up an opportunity for him to potentially join the Seahawks as their backup quarterback.
Pete Carroll recently expressed an interest in Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Although no official moves have been taken yet, Greg Olson of Las Vegas QB coach could prove invaluable when courting Kupp, considering their experience together at Rams during 2022 when Olson worked under Carroll on that team and with Kupp on another. Kupp’s impressive record includes leading NFL in receptions, touchdowns, yards receiving in 2021 as well as winning Super Bowl MVP honors with Seattle; making him an attractive target despite an ankle injury which forced him out for four weeks earlier that season reducing potential.
With Tom Brady driving success at New England Patriots quarterback position, Las Vegas Raiders fans expect excellence of their team and its leadership. In order to meet those lofty ambitions they aim for success through strategic acquisitions that bolster team members.