The Las Vegas Raiders have been struggling for the past few years, which prompted owner Mark Davis to overhaul the organization again.
Davis fired Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce and brought in John Spytek and Pete Carroll to turn the franchise around. With the help of the new minority owner, Tom Brady, Davis now has a much stronger regime on paper, and the team should hopefully start to see some improvements as soon as the 2025 season.
Heading into the offseason, Las Vegas’s biggest need was at the quarterback position because Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew both struggled to produce. The Raiders made a splash when they traded a third-round pick for Geno Smith, reuniting him with Carroll and giving the team a legitimate veteran quarterback who can sling the football.
Minshew signed a two-year deal with the Raiders last offseason, but the team is moving on after a failed physical, via Myles Simmons of NBC Sports:
“Las Vegas released Minshew with a failed physical designation.
“Minshew, 28, suffered a fractured collarbone during Las Vegas’ Week 12 loss to Denver and was sidelined for the rest of the season. The failed physical designation indicates that either Minsherw’s collarbone has not healed or there was another injury the quarterback is dealing with.
“Based on the failed physical, it could be a bit before Minshew is cleared to sign with a new team.”
Las Vegas was expected to release Minshew, and the team can now move forward with Smith and O’Connell as the starters and backups, respectively.
Minshew was far from the long-term answer at the position despite his previous experience as a starter and now will need to look for a new home. The veteran’s health status appears up in the air, but if fully healthy would be a worthy backup for most teams.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas still needs to revamp its offense. Smith was great for the Seattle Seahawks when he had time in the pocket, so adding to the offensive line seems like a logical move.
The team could also use more receiving threats to complement Brock Bowers, so the Raiders should be in the mix for the remaining free agents on the board.
Raiders considered a natural landing spot for Tyler Lockett
Brock Bowers should serve as the focal point of the passing game next season, but the Las Vegas Raiders still need some firepower. One option could be Tyler Lockett, who was released by the Seattle Seahawks.
Due to Lockett’s experience playing under head coach Pete Carroll, Las Vegas is a natural landing spot for the veteran.