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Las Vegas Raiders
NFL Team · LV

Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders

NFL team. Team code: LV.

Quick Facts

2026 Outlook

After a chaotic 2025 (3-14 record), the Raiders are implementing a coherent organizational strategy under Klint Kubiak (new HC). Kubiak is the "top offensive play caller in the cycle," implementing the Shanahan outside-zone system. QB Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 overall, 2026 draft) is set up with elite support: signed Tyler Linderbaum (highest-paid interior OL in league) to 3-year, $81M fully guaranteed deal, and Kirk Cousins on a flexible 1-year deal to mentor. In power rankings analysis, Las Vegas ranks 29th, viewed as a rebuilding team focused on Mendoza development rather than 2026 playoff contention. Kirk Cousins is the intended starter while Mendoza learns, suggesting the franchise is taking a patient approach and likely eyeing 2027 and beyond as the realistic competitive window. As of early June, Cousins is ahead of schedule in his Achilles recovery and performing well in offseason drills (per Klint Kubiak: Kirk Cousins has played really good football for us this time of year). Schedule is punishing — 7th-hardest slate in 2026 — with NFC West + tough AFC West matchups. Projections favor 5-12 record as improvement over 2025's 3-14, testing Mendoza's rookie development (per The Raiders 2026 schedule is here. Way-too-early record prediction, picks, NFL power rankings blockbuster trades, and 49ers 2026 Schedule Preview Ranked by Championship Impact).

The organization is being explicit about not rushing Mendoza into Week 1. Kubiak cited significant gaps in the WR room, OL depth, and defense as reasons to hold the rookie back, even if Cousins gets injured. This signals a multi-year build rather than a Win Now philosophy, with the expectation that one more offseason of acquisitions (trades, free agency, 2027 draft) will create the right supporting cast for Mendoza's breakout. (per Raiders could make stunning Fernando Mendoza Week 1 move)

Mendoza is receiving mentorship from Tom Brady (5% minority owner of the Raiders). The two connected via FaceTime at the 2026 combine, with Brady welcoming Mendoza to the organization. Brady has been involved with the Raiders during OTAs, providing firsthand coaching on play observation and career guidance. Mendoza has indicated Brady's mentorship is active and valuable for accelerating his learning curve in the NFL. (per Cringe Levels Are Off The Charts: NFL World Reacts To Fernando Mendoza's Viral First Interaction With Tom Brady)

Fantasy Footprint

RB Ashton Jeanty's run-heavy support is now in place. New OL (Linderbaum + improved coaching) should unlock Jeanty after 2025's poor 1.6 YBC average on 975 rushing yards. Kubiak loves the run game and commits to 50-50 splits when possible. Jeanty could see 280+ carries as the featured back in Kubiak's Shanahan-system offense (per A new Raiders offensive line and the same heavy workload: Ashton Jeanty's Year 2 test).

Jalen Nailor (former Vikings WR3) signed to 3-year, $35M deal as a complementary receiver; Brock Bowers (elite TE) remains a core weapon alongside Mendoza development (per Are the Las Vegas Raiders on the upswing? Why this offseason offers optimism). Stefon Diggs (now FA after Patriots didn't re-sign) ranked as a top #2 landing spot, given Kubiak's offensive system familiarity (Klint Kubiak was Vikings QB coach when Diggs was there), Kirk Cousins' prior chemistry with Diggs (2018–19 seasons), and the need for a proven veteran WR opposite Nailor. Diggs could become a WR1 in the Raiders offense, displacing incumbent Jalen Nailor as the top target. (per The Top 10 Landing Spots for Stefon Diggs)

Brandon Aiyuk emerges as a potential trade target to replace Davante Adams: the Raiders have been linked as a strong landing spot, with interest in acquiring the 49ers WR for a late Day 3 pick. Aiyuk (1,342 yards in 2023) would likely project as a WR1 in the Las Vegas offense, offering downfield depth alongside Nailor. However, his ACL/MCL recovery and contract restructuring ($26M+ cap hit) present risk; teams could demand an incentive-heavy deal given the lack of guarantees. (per NFL Trade Rumor: Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders emerge as strong landing spots...).

The Raiders continue to aggressively pursue WR upgrades to enhance the passing attack. Late June discussions have included Kayshon Boutte, a 23-year-old wide receiver from the New England Patriots, as a potential depth option. Boutte's affordable cost (Patriots asking a third-round pick) and relative youth make him an intriguing addition to complement Brock Bowers and Jalen Nailor. (per NFL Trade Rumors: Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte targets Kansas City and Las Vegas).

Coaching continuity as key transition driver: Kubiak's staff hires (Andrew Janocko as OC, Rick Dennison as OL coach, Rob Leonard promoted to DC) prioritize familiarity and experience to smooth the adjustment from the chaotic 2025 regime. The Raiders are banking on veteran coaching presence to avoid another false start. Dennison's 30 years of NFL experience and relationships with Kubiak (from Seattle) are expected to accelerate the offensive line's cohesion and Jeanty's development. (per Key Factor in Raiders' Offseason Coaching Staff Additions)

Secondary upgrade: After an "abysmal" 2025 secondary lacking both talent and depth, the Raiders addressed the recurring nickel position weakness (especially critical in a division with the Chiefs, Broncos, and Chargers) by drafting Treydan Stukes (No. 38 overall). Stukes is a versatile safety-turned-nickel at Arizona with excellent communication skills and is projected to eventually lead the Raiders' defense. Competition with veteran nickel Taron Johnson is expected, providing depth and internal accountability (per Five Second-Round NFL Draft Gems Nobody Is Talking About Yet).

Competitive culture shift: The Raiders are implementing a bottom-up competitive approach under Kubiak after three seasons of losing cultures. OTAs showcased all offensive weapons in attendance (Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty, tight ends) setting expectations early. WR room competition between Tre Tucker (veteran leader), Jack Bech (second-year), and Dont'e Thornton Jr. (young talent) is expected to drive overall improvement—Kubiak stated both Bech and Thornton must improve to impact the stat sheet, creating internal accountability. (per Raiders' Quest To Become More Competitive Begins Within)

OTA chemistry critical: Unlike teams where OTAs are optional, Kubiak's Raiders emphasize full attendance and participation in installing the new Shanahan-system offense. OC Andrew Janocko stressed OTAs are "a huge advantage" for teams committed to building chemistry from scratch. (per Why OTAs Are Important for Raiders OC Janocko)

Pass rush depth and Maxx Crosby's trade value: Edge rusher Maxx Crosby remains a potential trade chip as the Raiders prioritize Mendoza development and cap flexibility. Trade interest has resurged with the Patriots and 49ers emerging as top landing spots in early July 2026. The 49ers specifically have $70M+ in cap space and view Crosby as a complement to Nick Bosa's recovery. Crosby cleared his physical and is ahead of schedule in meniscus recovery, positioning the Raiders to capitalize on his trade value if the right offer materializes. The team has groomed depth in EDGE Cian Slone (highest-paid UDFA at $272.5k) as a long-term replacement. (per NFL Trade Rumor: New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers emerge as top landing spots for $106.5M Las Vegas Raiders' star)

UDFA depth tier signal: The Raiders' undrafted free agent contract tiers reveal organization priorities. WRs Corey Rucker and Chase Roberts have the highest guarantees ($272.5k and $267.5k) among the UDFA class, signaling they're front-loaded for roster competition. EDGE Cian Slone (co-highest paid, $272.5k) is being groomed for potential snaps behind Maxx Crosby. Kicker Matt Gay ($1.35M dead cap if cut) is heavily favored over UDFA Kansei Matsuzawa ($25k guaranteed), confirming Gay as the likely 2026 starter. Long snapper Tyler Duzansky ($110k) has an edge over Alex Ward (future/reserve contract) in the special teams battle. DT Brandon Cleveland (7th-round pick, $158k dead cap) is positioned above UDFA Gary Smith III ($115k guaranteed) in the nose tackle competition (per What does Las Vegas Raiders' undrafted free agent pay breakdown tell us about 53-man roster battles?)

Players (Fantasy-Relevant)

Coaches

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will Brock Bowers remain healthy in 2026 under new coach Klint Kubiak with upgraded QB play? Source: 2025 Injury Impact: Running Backs/Tight Ends - Fantasy Points Status: open Last touched: 2026-06-10
  • Will Klint Kubiak's success as Raiders HC (with new QB Fernando Mendoza and RB Ashton Jeanty) validate his departure from Seattle's Super Bowl-winning environment? Source: 2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing Week 3 home opener vs. Raiders Status: open Last touched: 2026-05-27
  • Is Ashton Jeanty's poor 2025 performance truly a situation problem, or did he show concerning efficiency on his limited carries? Source: Ashton Jeanty Is Ready to Break Out in 2026 Status: open Last touched: 2026-05-25
  • How much of Ashton Jeanty's low 1.6 yards-after-contact as a rookie was execution vs. bad blocking scheme? Source: Ashton Jeanty's Year 2 Test — A New Raiders Offensive Line and Same Heavy Workload Status: open Last touched: 2026-05-22
  • Will Mike Washington Jr. (4th-round RB) take meaningful snaps away from Ashton Jeanty early in the 2026 season, or does Kubiak's "best player on field" philosophy keep Jeanty at 70%+ snap share? Source: Ashton Jeanty's Year 2 Test — A New Raiders Offensive Line and Same Heavy Workload Status: open Last touched: 2026-05-22

What the Experts Are Saying

Establish The RunWay Too Early 2026 Fantasy Football Mock Draft
Fantasy Points Fantasy FootballDrake Maye and Puka Nacua | Fantasy Football Takeaways to Prep for 2026 (Part 1)
Ron StewartYour Leaguemates Are Completely Ignoring These Coaching Changes