SouthernWorldwide.com – The Las Vegas Raiders are making significant moves this offseason, hoping to turn around their fortunes after a disappointing 3-14 finish last season under former head coach Pete Carroll.
These moves include a new head coach, a retooled defense, and a quarterback situation featuring a blend of veteran experience and rookie potential.
Colin Cowherd, a prominent voice on FOX Sports’ “The Herd,” expressed his optimism about the Raiders’ direction for the 2026 season.
“One of the reasons I’m a fan of Fernando Mendoza and the Raiders is, the Raiders are the rare bad organization for a decade that finally got their coach and their GM, simultaneously, right, they got both right. I actually think they had a great draft and a great offseason,” Cowherd stated.
The Raiders have been active in reshaping their quarterback room. After trading Geno Smith to the New York Jets, they brought in veteran Kirk Cousins to mentor their top draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Cousins joins the Raiders after a two-year tenure with the Atlanta Falcons. The team also bolstered their offensive weaponry by drafting running back Mike Washington Jr. and wide receiver Malik Benson.
Further offensive additions include wide receiver Jalen Nailors, acquired through free agency, alongside Cousins.
Beyond the offense, the Raiders have made substantial investments in their defense. This unit aims to complement star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
In the draft, Las Vegas selected safety Treydan Stukes, edge rusher Keyron Crawford, cornerback Jermod McCoy, safety Dalton Johnston, cornerback Hezekiah Masses, and defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland.
The defensive front was further strengthened by the free agency signings of defensive end Kwity Paye and linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Cowherd acknowledged the Raiders’ strong choices in securing both a new head coach and key players, particularly at quarterback. However, he also cautioned about the inherent risks associated with relying on rookie quarterbacks.
“I don’t think (the Raiders) feel like Baker Mayfield going to Cleveland. Where I liked the coach and the quarterback, but I didn’t like the opening roster. Where you get into trouble with rookie quarterbacks taken high is when you view them as saviors… Usually, teams that have been in last place for years feel desperate.”
The introduction of a rookie-veteran quarterback tandem naturally raises questions about who will ultimately lead the team as the starting quarterback for their anticipated bounce-back season.
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The Raiders are set to kick off their 2026 season at home against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.
