A disappointing 4-13 record in 2024 capped a turbulent season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Struggling with consistency across the board—from coaching changes to a revolving door at quarterback—the Raiders find themselves in desperate need of a reset. And who better to lead that reset than Pete Carroll?
The legendary former Seattle Seahawks coach brings a resume stacked with success, including a Super Bowl ring. Still, one question remains in the minds of many: Can he find the right quarterback and work his magic in Las Vegas?
A Fresh Start After A Season To Forget
The ’24 season was rough, to say the least. Antonio Pierce’s lone season as head coach was marred by instability on offense and defense. The team went through three quarterbacks—Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder—but none managed to light a spark. The offensive struggles were compounded by the firing of OC Luke Getsy after only nine games. The result? A fourth-place finish in the AFC West and yet another playoff miss.
But with Pete Carroll at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of hope. Known for his ability to build disciplined, competitive teams, Carroll has the experience and leadership to bring a team back to relevance. The Raiders’ fourth-place ranking on the NFLPA report card points to a strong organizational foundation, and with $97 million in cap space—the second highest in the league—the franchise is well-positioned to make bold moves this offseason.
The Quarterback Conundrum
If there’s one glaring hole the Raiders must address, it’s the quarterback. A revolving QB carousel has plagued this team, and a long-term solution is desperately needed. Carroll’s track record with quarterbacks—just look at what he achieved with Russell Wilson—makes him the ideal person to guide this search.
The Raiders’ current situation leaves several paths open. First, the team could dip into the free-agent market. Given Gardner Minshew’s departure, the team has the cap flexibility to pursue a proven veteran quarterback. Second, this year’s NFL draft offers intriguing possibilities. Holding the sixth overall pick, the Raiders are in a prime position to snag a top prospect—perhaps Shedeur Sanders, the standout QB from Colorado.
Can Pete Carroll And The Raiders Compete In The AFC West?
The AFC West is packed with talent, led by juggernauts like the Kansas City Chiefs. Turning the Raiders into a legitimate contender will be no small task. However, Pete Carroll has the tools to make it happen. With the financial flexibility to acquire top-tier talent and a wealth of draft picks, including two in the third round via a trade with the Jets, the Raiders can address multiple weaknesses, ranging from the offensive line to the secondary.
On top of that, a stable quarterback could unlock the potential of players like tight end Brock Bowers in fantasy football. For example, better QB play could elevate the team’s offensive ceiling. Then, it creates more opportunities in the red zone and sustains drives—a luxury the Raiders lacked in 2024.
A look at the Las Vegas Raiders odds on major sportsbooks shows that they currently sit as massive underdogs to even make the playoffs. But in the unpredictable world of the NFL, a savvy offseason coupled with Carroll’s reputation for competitiveness could make the Raiders one of next season’s biggest surprises.
What’s Next For Raider Nation?
The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a pivotal moment. Pete Carroll’s arrival signals a bold move to reset the franchise and build something sustainable. But the big question remains—will they find their quarterback of the future? That decision alone could shape their trajectory for the next decade.
Raider fans will focus solely on the offseason. With his proven track record of success in the NFL, can Carroll reshape this team in his image? There is plenty of cap space, draft ammunition, and some serious talent already on the roster, and the pieces are there for a competitive rebuild.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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