Munford could move to right guard in 2024, per Raiders GM Tom Telesco, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Vegas' lack of depth on the offensive line is likely to open up a permanent starting role for Munford, whom the Raiders selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Munford has made 14 starts over his first two NFL seasons while playing primarily at tackle, and he'll likely get a chance to compete for the right tackle spot vacated by Jermaine Eluemunor's departure, but a position change to guard could ultimately be how Munford earns playing time moving forward.
Adams, who earlier this week shut down the idea he's seeking a trade from the Raiders, admitted on Shannon Sharpe's podcast Wednesday that the one quarterback he'd be interested in playing with again is the Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Eric Edholm of NFL.com reports.
The prolific receiver was on Sharpe's Club Shay Shay podcast and had to address the subject, as Rodgers had commented last week at a golf tournament that he was looking forward to playing with Adams "again." Former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason then noted on his WFAN radio show that he'd heard it was possible an Adams trade to the Jets could be "in the works." Adams told Sharpe that Rodgers would be the one quarterback he'd want to play with due to familiarity and their past success, but he made sure to add he wasn't seeking any move from Las Vegas.
Adams remains committed to the Raiders for the 2024 season and is not seeking a trade, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
This offseason Adams has repeatedly stated a desire to remain with the Raiders, but trade rumors have persisted. Most recently, he's been connected to the Jets, though Adams called that option unrealistic. Despite an uncertain quarterback situation in Las Vegas, he has remained publicly committed to the team.
O'Connell, who's competing with Gardner Minshew for the Raiders' starting quarterback job in training camp, recently received compliments from 2023 position mate Brian Hoyer, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.
O'Connell unexpectedly had two stints with the starting job as a rookie after being taken in the fourth round out of Purdue in the 2023 NFL Draft, and it was his second one that made Hoyer take notice. O'Connell went 5-5 as a starter to finish the season, and he threw for 2,218 yards with a respectable 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions across 11 regular-season games overall. "Maybe I'm biased," Hoyer said, "but I think what Aidan did last year -- I know he hasn't shown it as much as Gardner Minshew has throughout his career -- but I know the guys really gravitated to the way Aidan took over and his leadership as a young player."
Crosby, who played in all 17 regular-season games for the Raiders in 2023 but struggled with numerous injuries, is excited about what he might be able to accomplish during a healthier 2024 campaign, Bobby Kownack of NFL.com reports.
Crosby gutted out knee and thumb injuries last season, both of which he addressed through surgeries early this offseason, to post a career-high 90 tackles and 14.5 sacks. He has his eyes on even loftier goals this season if he has better luck on the health front, as he's still chasing his first Defensive Player of the Year award and first-team All-Pro nod.
Spillane is a potential extension candidate for the Raiders, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Spillane played a full defensive snap count for the first time in his career in 2023, and he delivered 148 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three picks while playing all 17 games. He's entering the final year of a two-year deal with the Raiders, but his breakout 2023 season could convince the team to keep him on the roster in the longer term. Tafur also noted Spillane's bond with current head coach Antonio Pierce, as Pierce was originally Spillane's position coach before being promoted.
Koonce is among the next Raiders in line for a contract extension, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
General manager Tom Telesco has taken his time getting to know his new roster, but Koonce proved himself a productive player in a breakout 2023 season. He posted 8.0 sacks while earning an extensive defensive role for the first time in his career, all while remaining an ace on special teams. Without an extension, Koonce is set to hit free agency following the 2024 season.
Minshew has been impressive this offseason but remains slightly behind Aidan O'Connell in the battle for Las Vegas' starting quarterback job, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Minshew signed with the Raiders in March, but the veteran QB already has a strong enough grasp of the playbook that he was improvising and changing plays in the huddle during minicamp. O'Connell, a fourth-round pick in 2023 who wound up starting the team's final nine games as a rookie, still has the edge heading into camp due to his experience, but a strong preseason from Minshew could put him under center for Week 1.
O'Connell seems slightly ahead of Gardner Minshew heading into training camp in the battle to be the Raiders' starting quarterback, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
O'Connell's experience in the offense served him well during offseason team activities, and the 2023 fourth-round pick has earned the endorsement of Davante Adams, Las Vegas' top wide receiver. However, Minshew has learned the playbook extremely quickly since signing with the Raiders in March, and there's very little daylight between them heading into camp. The decision on who's under center for Week 1 may come right down to the wire.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com suggests Eichenberg, who was taken by the Raiders out of Ohio State with a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, could have surprising impact as a rookie.
Eichenberg is one of the lowest-drafted players on Reuter's projected All-Rookie defensive squad, but the one-time Buckeye could be poised to make a surprising impact right from the jump of his NFL career. Eichenberg likely endeared himself to his new head coach Antonio Pierce, a highly accomplished linebacker in his playing days, with his non-stop motor in college, which led to 268 tackles over his final 36 games. Reuter notes Eichenberg should play primarily on early downs and benefit greatly from the block-absorbing forces in front of him, including Christian Wilkins and John Jenkins.
Tucker has been one of the Raiders' most impressive players this offseason, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN reports.
Selected in the third round of the 2023 Draft out of Cincinnati, Tucker is an undersized speedster, but Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce doesn't think his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame will hold him back. "Watch him play," Pierce said during the team's minicamp. "He's the biggest guy out there. He had a hell of an offseason. ... Everything that we talked about working on, he took that to another level. And you could see the look in his eye of a confident player, of a guy that's just going to constantly get better. He's pushing." Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers seem locked into the top two spots on the wideout depth chart, and the Raiders brought in veterans Michael Gallup and Jalen Guyton to compete for the No. 3 role, but Tucker's improvement could allow him to win the job in training camp. Should Adams be traded before Week 1, it would open up even more snaps for the youngster.
Bowers, whom the Raiders selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has impressed with both his physical and mental approach this offseason, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
The one-time Georgia Bulldog has displayed smooth route-running skills and a stride more reminiscent of a wide receiver than tight end. Gutierrez also notes that Bowers, who's expected to play a significant role in the offense alongside fellow promising tight end Michael Mayer this coming season, has caught the eye of perennial Pro Bowler Davante Adams, who's nicknamed Bowers "Business Man" in a nod to the rookie's no-nonsense approach.
The Raiders have not committed to White as their lead back entering the 2024 season, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
White has been the presumed lead back since the departure of Josh Jacobs this offseason, though coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco are still keeping their options open. Alexander Mattison is one internal option, though he's never handled more than 180 carries in a season. Tafur also mentioned the possibility that the team will consider external options, with the likes of Damien Harris, Cam Akers and Kareem Hunt still available.
Crosby recently told sports radio host Jim Rome that he plans to be a Raider for his whole career. "The guys who inspire me are the Kobes and the Jordans, the guys that stayed at the same place and won in the same place," Crosby said. "I plan on being here for a very long time and I plan on winning here."
Crosby said he doesn't want to take an easier road by switching teams, adding that the hardships of playing for a non-contender make winning a Super Bowl even sweeter. The star pass rusher is entering his sixth season with the Raiders, and Crosby is under contract through the 2026 season.
Mattison, who signed a one-year deal up to $2 million with the Raiders this offseason, is looking forward to helping guide new teammate Zamir White as the latter moves into a lead role, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Mattison, who actually served as a backup for the majority of his career with the Vikings, noted that going from understudy to starter, like White will be doing this season, is "as difficult as you make it." The veteran added that the right group of coaches and players makes the process much smoother, and he expressed his commitment to contributing in that regard while also joining his new position mates in learning the team's new offensive system.
White, who's primed to lead the Raiders backfield in 2024, is looking forward to collaborating with offseason addition Alexander Mattison, Nick Shook of NFL.com reports.
White is the incumbent after spending his first two seasons as the departed Josh Jacobs' understudy and auditioning for his forthcoming lead-back role over the last four games of 2023, when he averaged 23.3 touches per contest. However, White is embracing the arrival of a proven commodity like Mattison and notes he'll be "learning from the backs in the room" alongside him, which will also include returning veteran Ameer Abdullah and rookie sixth-round pick Dylan Laube.
Wilson, the Raiders' seventh overall pick in 2023, has been leaning on star veteran defensive lineman Maxx Crosby for guidance this offseason, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Going into his rookie campaign, Wilson was recovering from a broken right foot suffered during his final college season at Texas Tech. He still managed to appear in all 17 games and recorded 29 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, in a part-time role. However, Wilson is expecting an exponential leap in Year 2, with the fact he's now fully recovered and has been obtaining plenty of guidance on diet, recovery and work habits from Crosby expected to fuel that rise.
Crosby received a $6 million raise for the 2024 season from the Raiders on Thursday, Paul Gutierrez and Adam Schefter of ESPN report.
No additional years were tacked on to Crosby's deal, but $1.2 million of his 2026 salary was moved into 2025. The sixth-year pro is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he accrued a career-high 14.5 sacks, his second straight double-digit sack tally after he produced a combined 25 over his first three seasons.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus believes White will cede a significant portion of backfield touches to Alexander Mattison but still post a breakout season in 2024.
White and Mattison are expected to headline Vegas' backfield following Josh Jacobs' departure. White excelled down the stretch in 2023 while Jacobs was hurt, posting 397 rushing yards over the final four games of the season. While new Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has a history of spreading touches out between multiple running backs, Locker believes White will make the most of his opportunities after ranking 10th among running backs with 3.21 yards after contact per carry in 2023.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus believes Mattison will start over Zamir White for most of the 2024 season.
Mattison spent his first four seasons as Dalvin Cook's backup in Minnesota but excelled whenever the oft-injured Cook missed time. When Mattison was finally given an extended opportunity atop the depth chart in 2024, he flopped, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry while failing to score a rushing touchdown. Having been scooped up by a Vegas team that let Josh Jacobs walk in the offseason, Mattison will compete for touches with White, a 2022 fourth-round draft pick who closed out 2023 with four strong performances but had done nothing of note in his NFL career before that point.
Raiders GM Tom Telesco said Thursday that O'Connell and Gardner Minshew would compete for the No. 1 job at quarterback this offseason, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports. "That's the plan is to have both those guys really compete through the offseason program, but more so in training camp, and we'll see how it plays out," Telesco said.
Coach Antonio Pierce had indicated just last week that O'Connell was headed into the offseason atop the depth chart after finishing last season as Las Vegas' starter, but it's not surprising that the team would give Minshew a real shot at winning the starting job after signing him to a two-year, $25 million contract in March. Whoever claims the gig as the Week 1 starter will have some impressive talent to target in the passing game, including Davante Adams and the 2024 13th overall pick, tight end Brock Bowers.
Raiders GM Tom Telesco indicated Thursday that Minshew and Aidan O'Connell would battle for the starting quarterback job this offseason, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports. "That's the plan is to have both those guys really compete through the offseason program, but more so in training camp, and we'll see how it plays out," Telesco said.
This somewhat contradicts statements by coach Antonio Pierce, who suggested O'Connell was atop the depth chart heading into the offseason program, but it's not much of a surprise that Minshew would get a clear chance to win the job after he signed a two-year, $25 million contract with Las Vegas in March. Whoever emerges as the Week 1 starter will have a solid set of targets to throw to, including Davante Adams and the 2024 13th overall pick, tight end Brock Bowers.
Minshew is currently second on the offseason depth chart behind Aidan O'Connell, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Minshew is naturally a more accomplished NFL passer than his second-year teammate, and he's coming off a 2023 season where he threw for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions while adding three rushing scores for the Colts. The 27-year-old therefore makes for an excellent insurance policy at quarterback if nothing else, but for the moment, head coach Antonio Pierce states that as much as Minshew has endeared himself early with his work ethic and personality, O'Connell has earned his place atop the depth chart.
O'Connell is currently running ahead of offseason addition Gardner Minshew in the Raiders' quarterback room, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
The second-year pro has impressed head coach Antonio Pierce, who noted O'Connell has changed "his body, his work ethic" this offseason and is displaying improved confidence and focus. O'Connell was promoted to the starting job for the rest of the 2023 season by Pierce when he took over for Josh McDaniels following a Week 8 loss, with O'Connell going 5-5 as a starter and tossing eight touchdowns without an interception over the final four contests of the campaign.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com suggests Richardson, who was selected by the Raiders out of Mississippi State in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, could push for starter snaps during his rookie season.
Reuter points out the Raiders' cornerback group was highly inconsistent last season and also lacked for size. Richardson, who boasts a 6-foot-2 frame and complements it with sub-4.4 speed, could therefore be a prime candidate to garner first-unit snaps, especially since he's capable of competing physically with larger outside receivers.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com believes Minshew will win the Raiders' quarterback competition over Aidan O'Connell during training camp.
Barnwell thinks Minshew is well positioned to not only beat out O'Connell but also maintain the starting job for the entire 2024 season after the Raiders didn't add a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Minshew averaged 194.4 passing yards per game in a run-heavy Colts offense last season, but he could find more success through the air in a Raiders offense that has veteran wide receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers returning, as well as rookie first-round pick Brock Bowers at tight end and free-agent additions Michael Gallup and Jalen Guyton bolstering the team's pass-catching corps.
Per Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com, Tucker had the fastest average maximum speed on routes ran in the NFL in 2023.
Tucker showed blazing speed in his rookie campaign, coming in ahead of Jameson Williams' second-place mark of 15.9 miles per hour. That high average maximum speed was due in part to Tucker's limited route tree, as he was used predominantly as a deep option, averaging 17.4 yards per catch en route to 331 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for Tucker, neither Aidan O'Connell nor Gardner Minshew have the strongest of arms, so Las Vegas could once again struggle to maximize the production from Tucker's speedy skill set in 2024.
Gallup is set to sign a one-year contract with the Raiders that could be worth up to $3 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
The former Cowboy hasn't been the same since suffering a knee injury in 2021, and Gallup failed to reach 500 receiving yards in either of his final two seasons with Dallas. Las Vegas doesn't have a lot of established depth at wideout behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, however, so Gallup could get a chance to carve out a meaningful role in the Raiders' passing game this year.
Mayer's likely to cede the majority of touches at tight end to Brock Bowers after the Raiders selected the tight end out of Georgia 13th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 scrimmage touchdowns in three years at Georgia, and he's expected to immediately ascend to the top of Vegas' tight end depth chart. While Mayer should still play plenty of snaps in his second NFL season given the Raiders' proclivity for using formations with multiple tight ends, Bowers will likely be the featured option in the passing game, significantly dampening Mayer's upside.
With the coaching staff, quarterback and front office turmoil, there's plenty of reason to have speculated that Adams wouldn't want to stick with the Raiders. However, the wide receiver has voiced approval of both head coach Antonio Pierce and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, and Adams reiterated Sunday that he is not seeking a trade. His yardage and touchdown totals took a hit in 2023, but Adams could rebound with Gardner Minshew under center and perhaps a new rookie quarterback to fill out the quarterback room.
Munford could move to right guard in 2024, per Raiders GM Tom Telesco, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Vegas' lack of depth on the offensive line is likely to open up a permanent starting role for Munford, whom the Raiders selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Munford has made 14 starts over his first two NFL seasons while playing primarily at tackle, and he'll likely get a chance to compete for the right tackle spot vacated by Jermaine Eluemunor's departure, but a position change to guard could ultimately be how Munford earns playing time moving forward.
Adams, who earlier this week shut down the idea he's seeking a trade from the Raiders, admitted on Shannon Sharpe's podcast Wednesday that the one quarterback he'd be interested in playing with again is the Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Eric Edholm of NFL.com reports.
The prolific receiver was on Sharpe's Club Shay Shay podcast and had to address the subject, as Rodgers had commented last week at a golf tournament that he was looking forward to playing with Adams "again." Former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason then noted on his WFAN radio show that he'd heard it was possible an Adams trade to the Jets could be "in the works." Adams told Sharpe that Rodgers would be the one quarterback he'd want to play with due to familiarity and their past success, but he made sure to add he wasn't seeking any move from Las Vegas.
Adams remains committed to the Raiders for the 2024 season and is not seeking a trade, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
This offseason Adams has repeatedly stated a desire to remain with the Raiders, but trade rumors have persisted. Most recently, he's been connected to the Jets, though Adams called that option unrealistic. Despite an uncertain quarterback situation in Las Vegas, he has remained publicly committed to the team.
O'Connell, who's competing with Gardner Minshew for the Raiders' starting quarterback job in training camp, recently received compliments from 2023 position mate Brian Hoyer, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.
O'Connell unexpectedly had two stints with the starting job as a rookie after being taken in the fourth round out of Purdue in the 2023 NFL Draft, and it was his second one that made Hoyer take notice. O'Connell went 5-5 as a starter to finish the season, and he threw for 2,218 yards with a respectable 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions across 11 regular-season games overall. "Maybe I'm biased," Hoyer said, "but I think what Aidan did last year -- I know he hasn't shown it as much as Gardner Minshew has throughout his career -- but I know the guys really gravitated to the way Aidan took over and his leadership as a young player."
Crosby, who played in all 17 regular-season games for the Raiders in 2023 but struggled with numerous injuries, is excited about what he might be able to accomplish during a healthier 2024 campaign, Bobby Kownack of NFL.com reports.
Crosby gutted out knee and thumb injuries last season, both of which he addressed through surgeries early this offseason, to post a career-high 90 tackles and 14.5 sacks. He has his eyes on even loftier goals this season if he has better luck on the health front, as he's still chasing his first Defensive Player of the Year award and first-team All-Pro nod.
Spillane is a potential extension candidate for the Raiders, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Spillane played a full defensive snap count for the first time in his career in 2023, and he delivered 148 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three picks while playing all 17 games. He's entering the final year of a two-year deal with the Raiders, but his breakout 2023 season could convince the team to keep him on the roster in the longer term. Tafur also noted Spillane's bond with current head coach Antonio Pierce, as Pierce was originally Spillane's position coach before being promoted.
Koonce is among the next Raiders in line for a contract extension, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
General manager Tom Telesco has taken his time getting to know his new roster, but Koonce proved himself a productive player in a breakout 2023 season. He posted 8.0 sacks while earning an extensive defensive role for the first time in his career, all while remaining an ace on special teams. Without an extension, Koonce is set to hit free agency following the 2024 season.
Minshew has been impressive this offseason but remains slightly behind Aidan O'Connell in the battle for Las Vegas' starting quarterback job, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Minshew signed with the Raiders in March, but the veteran QB already has a strong enough grasp of the playbook that he was improvising and changing plays in the huddle during minicamp. O'Connell, a fourth-round pick in 2023 who wound up starting the team's final nine games as a rookie, still has the edge heading into camp due to his experience, but a strong preseason from Minshew could put him under center for Week 1.
O'Connell seems slightly ahead of Gardner Minshew heading into training camp in the battle to be the Raiders' starting quarterback, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
O'Connell's experience in the offense served him well during offseason team activities, and the 2023 fourth-round pick has earned the endorsement of Davante Adams, Las Vegas' top wide receiver. However, Minshew has learned the playbook extremely quickly since signing with the Raiders in March, and there's very little daylight between them heading into camp. The decision on who's under center for Week 1 may come right down to the wire.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com suggests Eichenberg, who was taken by the Raiders out of Ohio State with a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, could have surprising impact as a rookie.
Eichenberg is one of the lowest-drafted players on Reuter's projected All-Rookie defensive squad, but the one-time Buckeye could be poised to make a surprising impact right from the jump of his NFL career. Eichenberg likely endeared himself to his new head coach Antonio Pierce, a highly accomplished linebacker in his playing days, with his non-stop motor in college, which led to 268 tackles over his final 36 games. Reuter notes Eichenberg should play primarily on early downs and benefit greatly from the block-absorbing forces in front of him, including Christian Wilkins and John Jenkins.
Tucker has been one of the Raiders' most impressive players this offseason, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN reports.
Selected in the third round of the 2023 Draft out of Cincinnati, Tucker is an undersized speedster, but Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce doesn't think his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame will hold him back. "Watch him play," Pierce said during the team's minicamp. "He's the biggest guy out there. He had a hell of an offseason. ... Everything that we talked about working on, he took that to another level. And you could see the look in his eye of a confident player, of a guy that's just going to constantly get better. He's pushing." Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers seem locked into the top two spots on the wideout depth chart, and the Raiders brought in veterans Michael Gallup and Jalen Guyton to compete for the No. 3 role, but Tucker's improvement could allow him to win the job in training camp. Should Adams be traded before Week 1, it would open up even more snaps for the youngster.
Bowers, whom the Raiders selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has impressed with both his physical and mental approach this offseason, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
The one-time Georgia Bulldog has displayed smooth route-running skills and a stride more reminiscent of a wide receiver than tight end. Gutierrez also notes that Bowers, who's expected to play a significant role in the offense alongside fellow promising tight end Michael Mayer this coming season, has caught the eye of perennial Pro Bowler Davante Adams, who's nicknamed Bowers "Business Man" in a nod to the rookie's no-nonsense approach.
The Raiders have not committed to White as their lead back entering the 2024 season, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
White has been the presumed lead back since the departure of Josh Jacobs this offseason, though coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco are still keeping their options open. Alexander Mattison is one internal option, though he's never handled more than 180 carries in a season. Tafur also mentioned the possibility that the team will consider external options, with the likes of Damien Harris, Cam Akers and Kareem Hunt still available.
Crosby recently told sports radio host Jim Rome that he plans to be a Raider for his whole career. "The guys who inspire me are the Kobes and the Jordans, the guys that stayed at the same place and won in the same place," Crosby said. "I plan on being here for a very long time and I plan on winning here."
Crosby said he doesn't want to take an easier road by switching teams, adding that the hardships of playing for a non-contender make winning a Super Bowl even sweeter. The star pass rusher is entering his sixth season with the Raiders, and Crosby is under contract through the 2026 season.
Mattison, who signed a one-year deal up to $2 million with the Raiders this offseason, is looking forward to helping guide new teammate Zamir White as the latter moves into a lead role, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Mattison, who actually served as a backup for the majority of his career with the Vikings, noted that going from understudy to starter, like White will be doing this season, is "as difficult as you make it." The veteran added that the right group of coaches and players makes the process much smoother, and he expressed his commitment to contributing in that regard while also joining his new position mates in learning the team's new offensive system.
White, who's primed to lead the Raiders backfield in 2024, is looking forward to collaborating with offseason addition Alexander Mattison, Nick Shook of NFL.com reports.
White is the incumbent after spending his first two seasons as the departed Josh Jacobs' understudy and auditioning for his forthcoming lead-back role over the last four games of 2023, when he averaged 23.3 touches per contest. However, White is embracing the arrival of a proven commodity like Mattison and notes he'll be "learning from the backs in the room" alongside him, which will also include returning veteran Ameer Abdullah and rookie sixth-round pick Dylan Laube.
Wilson, the Raiders' seventh overall pick in 2023, has been leaning on star veteran defensive lineman Maxx Crosby for guidance this offseason, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Going into his rookie campaign, Wilson was recovering from a broken right foot suffered during his final college season at Texas Tech. He still managed to appear in all 17 games and recorded 29 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, in a part-time role. However, Wilson is expecting an exponential leap in Year 2, with the fact he's now fully recovered and has been obtaining plenty of guidance on diet, recovery and work habits from Crosby expected to fuel that rise.
Crosby received a $6 million raise for the 2024 season from the Raiders on Thursday, Paul Gutierrez and Adam Schefter of ESPN report.
No additional years were tacked on to Crosby's deal, but $1.2 million of his 2026 salary was moved into 2025. The sixth-year pro is coming off a 2023 campaign in which he accrued a career-high 14.5 sacks, his second straight double-digit sack tally after he produced a combined 25 over his first three seasons.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus believes White will cede a significant portion of backfield touches to Alexander Mattison but still post a breakout season in 2024.
White and Mattison are expected to headline Vegas' backfield following Josh Jacobs' departure. White excelled down the stretch in 2023 while Jacobs was hurt, posting 397 rushing yards over the final four games of the season. While new Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has a history of spreading touches out between multiple running backs, Locker believes White will make the most of his opportunities after ranking 10th among running backs with 3.21 yards after contact per carry in 2023.
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus believes Mattison will start over Zamir White for most of the 2024 season.
Mattison spent his first four seasons as Dalvin Cook's backup in Minnesota but excelled whenever the oft-injured Cook missed time. When Mattison was finally given an extended opportunity atop the depth chart in 2024, he flopped, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry while failing to score a rushing touchdown. Having been scooped up by a Vegas team that let Josh Jacobs walk in the offseason, Mattison will compete for touches with White, a 2022 fourth-round draft pick who closed out 2023 with four strong performances but had done nothing of note in his NFL career before that point.
Raiders GM Tom Telesco said Thursday that O'Connell and Gardner Minshew would compete for the No. 1 job at quarterback this offseason, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports. "That's the plan is to have both those guys really compete through the offseason program, but more so in training camp, and we'll see how it plays out," Telesco said.
Coach Antonio Pierce had indicated just last week that O'Connell was headed into the offseason atop the depth chart after finishing last season as Las Vegas' starter, but it's not surprising that the team would give Minshew a real shot at winning the starting job after signing him to a two-year, $25 million contract in March. Whoever claims the gig as the Week 1 starter will have some impressive talent to target in the passing game, including Davante Adams and the 2024 13th overall pick, tight end Brock Bowers.
Raiders GM Tom Telesco indicated Thursday that Minshew and Aidan O'Connell would battle for the starting quarterback job this offseason, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports. "That's the plan is to have both those guys really compete through the offseason program, but more so in training camp, and we'll see how it plays out," Telesco said.
This somewhat contradicts statements by coach Antonio Pierce, who suggested O'Connell was atop the depth chart heading into the offseason program, but it's not much of a surprise that Minshew would get a clear chance to win the job after he signed a two-year, $25 million contract with Las Vegas in March. Whoever emerges as the Week 1 starter will have a solid set of targets to throw to, including Davante Adams and the 2024 13th overall pick, tight end Brock Bowers.
Minshew is currently second on the offseason depth chart behind Aidan O'Connell, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
Minshew is naturally a more accomplished NFL passer than his second-year teammate, and he's coming off a 2023 season where he threw for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions while adding three rushing scores for the Colts. The 27-year-old therefore makes for an excellent insurance policy at quarterback if nothing else, but for the moment, head coach Antonio Pierce states that as much as Minshew has endeared himself early with his work ethic and personality, O'Connell has earned his place atop the depth chart.
O'Connell is currently running ahead of offseason addition Gardner Minshew in the Raiders' quarterback room, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.
The second-year pro has impressed head coach Antonio Pierce, who noted O'Connell has changed "his body, his work ethic" this offseason and is displaying improved confidence and focus. O'Connell was promoted to the starting job for the rest of the 2023 season by Pierce when he took over for Josh McDaniels following a Week 8 loss, with O'Connell going 5-5 as a starter and tossing eight touchdowns without an interception over the final four contests of the campaign.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com suggests Richardson, who was selected by the Raiders out of Mississippi State in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, could push for starter snaps during his rookie season.
Reuter points out the Raiders' cornerback group was highly inconsistent last season and also lacked for size. Richardson, who boasts a 6-foot-2 frame and complements it with sub-4.4 speed, could therefore be a prime candidate to garner first-unit snaps, especially since he's capable of competing physically with larger outside receivers.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com believes Minshew will win the Raiders' quarterback competition over Aidan O'Connell during training camp.
Barnwell thinks Minshew is well positioned to not only beat out O'Connell but also maintain the starting job for the entire 2024 season after the Raiders didn't add a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. Minshew averaged 194.4 passing yards per game in a run-heavy Colts offense last season, but he could find more success through the air in a Raiders offense that has veteran wide receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers returning, as well as rookie first-round pick Brock Bowers at tight end and free-agent additions Michael Gallup and Jalen Guyton bolstering the team's pass-catching corps.
Per Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com, Tucker had the fastest average maximum speed on routes ran in the NFL in 2023.
Tucker showed blazing speed in his rookie campaign, coming in ahead of Jameson Williams' second-place mark of 15.9 miles per hour. That high average maximum speed was due in part to Tucker's limited route tree, as he was used predominantly as a deep option, averaging 17.4 yards per catch en route to 331 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for Tucker, neither Aidan O'Connell nor Gardner Minshew have the strongest of arms, so Las Vegas could once again struggle to maximize the production from Tucker's speedy skill set in 2024.
Gallup is set to sign a one-year contract with the Raiders that could be worth up to $3 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
The former Cowboy hasn't been the same since suffering a knee injury in 2021, and Gallup failed to reach 500 receiving yards in either of his final two seasons with Dallas. Las Vegas doesn't have a lot of established depth at wideout behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, however, so Gallup could get a chance to carve out a meaningful role in the Raiders' passing game this year.
Mayer's likely to cede the majority of touches at tight end to Brock Bowers after the Raiders selected the tight end out of Georgia 13th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 scrimmage touchdowns in three years at Georgia, and he's expected to immediately ascend to the top of Vegas' tight end depth chart. While Mayer should still play plenty of snaps in his second NFL season given the Raiders' proclivity for using formations with multiple tight ends, Bowers will likely be the featured option in the passing game, significantly dampening Mayer's upside.
With the coaching staff, quarterback and front office turmoil, there's plenty of reason to have speculated that Adams wouldn't want to stick with the Raiders. However, the wide receiver has voiced approval of both head coach Antonio Pierce and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, and Adams reiterated Sunday that he is not seeking a trade. His yardage and touchdown totals took a hit in 2023, but Adams could rebound with Gardner Minshew under center and perhaps a new rookie quarterback to fill out the quarterback room.
Munford could move to right guard in 2024, per Raiders GM Tom Telesco, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.
Vegas' lack of depth on the offensive line is likely to open up a permanent starting role for Munford, whom the Raiders selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Munford has made 14 starts over his first two NFL seasons while playing primarily at tackle, and he'll likely get a chance to compete for the right tackle spot vacated by Jermaine Eluemunor's departure, but a position change to guard could ultimately be how Munford earns playing time moving forward.
Nearly every NFL team will report to training camp this week, which means actual football is just around the corner. Each squad has a handful of players who bear watching during the practices, as their development could be the deciding factor this season. For the Raiders,…
Raiders training camp is finally here, and a lot has changed with the franchise in the last year. For starters, the Raiders are not trying to be the Patriots anymore, as they foolishly attempted under the last regime led by Josh McDaniels. The Raiders are tapping into their…
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcom Koonce returned to his alma mater Archbishop Stepianc High School to host a free football camp July 20, 2024.
Stepinac graduate and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcom Koonce hosted a free youth football camp for young athletes at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains July 20, 2024.
These track and field athletes with Kentucky ties will compete in the 2024 Olympics; Sacred Heart basketball star ZaKiyah Johnson trims list; more.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.