The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a challenging 2025 NFL season, currently holding a troubling 2-8 record. The team’s major offseason decision to trade for veteran quarterback Geno Smith has not yielded the desired results, and the rookie class has either seen minimal playing time or made little impact on the field. While these circumstances may appear bleak, there are glimmers of hope for the team and its fans.
One positive aspect is that the Raiders are not heavily committed to Smith beyond this season, allowing them to part ways with him relatively easily. This opens the door for a potential shift towards utilizing younger players more extensively. By giving these rookies more playtime, the organization could better assess their contributions and potential future impact. Additionally, fielding a youthful squad may lead to more losses, which could position the Raiders favorably for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, allowing them to secure top talent.
Despite the encouragement of potential youth-driven strategies, the current coaching situation raises concerns. Owner Mark Davis has experienced enough instability within the team’s leadership, and while fans are bracing for another difficult season, there is speculation about possible coaching changes ahead. NFL analyst Jeremy Fowler highlighted this issue, indicating that head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly are under scrutiny.
Fowler noted, “Carroll is a name to monitor because the Raiders are clearly in rebuilding mode… I don’t necessarily see him walking away, though he’s clearly not getting what he signed up for in January.” The lack of offensive production has been particularly frustrating for fans, with the Raiders currently ranked 30th in the league for offensive performance.
Should the Raiders move on from Carroll and Kelly after this season, it could signal a new direction for the franchise and lead to renewed optimism among fans. The presence of promising players like Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, and Ashton Jeanty provides a solid foundation for a hopeful resurgence in 2026.
Stability within a coaching staff is crucial for success in the NFL, particularly with key roles like head coach, quarterback, and offensive coordinator. However, if the team’s current leadership remains entrenched and does not adopt a strategy that capitalizes on young talent, confidence in the franchise’s future will likely diminish.
Fowler’s insights serve as a reminder that significant changes are necessary for the Raiders to evolve. The hope is that with potential coaching changes, Raider Nation could reignite its passion and enthusiasm for the team’s future, allowing fans to once again feel a pulse of excitement as they look towards the upcoming draft and beyond.