Raiders Culture Shifts Ahead of 2025 Season

The Las Vegas Raiders are gradually shaping their culture this offseason, with the anticipation building as the 2025 season draws near.

Since relocating to Las Vegas in 2020, the team has been trying to stabilize after cycling through five general managers, including interim positions.

This shift in culture came soon after the hiring of Pete Carroll, a seasoned coach who many hope can guide the team away from a pattern of instability. Remarkably, Carroll is now the fifth head coach since the franchise’s move to Sin City.

Yet, the team recognized the pressing need for a quarterback, ultimately bringing in Geno Smith, who reunites with Carroll from their time in Seattle. Over just a few months, the Raiders secured a new general manager, a new head coach, and a quarterback, alongside a fresh strategy.

One might wonder how these cultural changes will play out once the games actually begin. Isn’t it true that the real test occurs when players take the field? Sometimes, these changes can require a more physical approach, maybe even running through an opponent.

When Spytek came on board, his priority list primarily included two key tasks, aside from finding a head coach: locating a quarterback and a running back.

The deal for Smith checked off one of those boxes while preserving the Raiders’ first-round draft pick, allowing the team to address the running back position too. Enter Ashton Jeanti, a Heisman Trophy finalist from Boise State.

And yes, that might involve some aggressive running on the field.

If you need proof of this cultural shift, watching the Raiders’ preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers would help.

This year is set to bring some significant business decisions.

The Raiders are bracing for tough competition in the AFC West, facing three teams that have made the playoffs in previous seasons. With rivals like the Rams and Broncos on the rise, and the formidable Chiefs still in the mix, the challenges are real.

Yet, the Raiders have without a doubt improved since last season. The acquisition of Smith marks a major upgrade at a critical position. They’ve also got a promising young tight end in Brock Bowers, along with a revamped offensive line and a receiving corps that’s recently been bolstered by Amari Cooper’s signing.

This move has certainly caught the attention of sports analysts.

“I believe bringing in Amari Cooper is a fantastic addition that will surprise a lot this season,” remarked Mina Kimes.

Looking at the quarterback position alone, one could argue that the Raiders have made one of the most significant upgrades in the NFL. Yes, Smith had his struggles last year, including some interceptions, but overall, he matched up well against league leaders in key stats.

What’s more, the Raiders’ offense has the potential to put up some impressive numbers.

Defensively, however, there are still questions. Maxx Crosby can’t carry the entire load, and it will be up to Carroll and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to make necessary adjustments.

The team has recently added several veterans to their defense—players like Jeremy Chin, Jamal Adams, Ellend Roberts, and Eric Stokes. While these names might not leap off the page, they certainly help shift the team’s trajectory positively.

Improving the defense will hinge on capitalizing on turnover opportunities. In a recent column, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell noted that while Las Vegas forced 33 fumbles last season, they only managed to recover eight. That 24.2% recovery rate was the second worst since 1991.

Interestingly, Barnwell observed that teams with similar recovery rates in the past improved their success rate by more than 50% the following season.

Pairing these potential defensive improvements with existing upgrades provides a hopeful outlook.

There’s also another reason to be optimistic about the Raiders.

The team has often exceeded expectations in the past.

Not long ago, many labeled the Seahawks as a team in transition. With Russell Wilson traded to the Broncos, many doubted Geno Smith’s ability to lead the team. Yet, after surprising performances, especially against Wilson and his new team, the Seahawks proved the naysayers wrong.

That’s the power of cultural change.