The 2024 season was a turning point for the Las Vegas Raiders. After a disappointing 4-13 record, John Spytek was named general manager following just one year of Tom Telesco running the franchise. The team wasted no time bringing Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to Sin City to kick off a complete roster overhaul.
Of course, rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight — and in many cases, it takes years before the results show. For the Raiders, it starts with building a solid foundation to help them compete in the challenging AFC West.
A former NFL player who spent 11 seasons in the league recently shared his thoughts on the Raiders’ long-term plan — and how the team should approach the 2025 season.
Justin Pugh Discusses What Success Would Mean for the Raiders in 2025
The Raiders face a tough task in their division: Competing year in and year out with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The shadow Kansas City casts over the AFC West is much like what the New England Patriots did to the AFC East during their dynasty run. Finding success while your division rival is stacking Super Bowls isn’t easy.
Justin Pugh, a former NFL guard, weighed in on what success should look like for the Raiders in 2025, emphasizing culture change rather than quick results.
"I'm not looking for the Raiders to make a splash in this division. I'm looking for them to set a foundation for the future." @JustinPugh gives his take on what success looks like for #RaiderNation next season pic.twitter.com/y5EKFJgvyx
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 8, 2025
When it comes to culture, there might not be a better coach than Carroll. Smith, who previously worked with Carroll in Seattle, spoke about how much he respects his coach, saying he would “run through a wall for him.”
Pugh said the Raiders don’t need to make a major splash in the division right now, but they need to start laying the foundation for future success. He also pointed out that one of the team’s owners knows what it takes to build a winning environment.
“I am not looking for the Raiders to make a splash in this division. I’m looking for them to set a foundation for the future. And if you’re trying to build an organization, just like Tom Brady came in New England and what he was able to establish in Tampa, that is what he’s starting to do right now,” he said.
NFL Draft Could Be a Path for Raiders’ Rebuild
With the No. 6 overall pick in the draft, the Raiders have many options — on both sides of the ball. In the latest PFSN mock draft, created in collaboration with content creators, Ezekiel Trezevant IV, Las Vegas co-beat writer for Sports Illustrated, projected the Raiders select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Moves like that line up with what Pugh said on his show. If you’re trying to compete with a team that has arguably the most talented quarterback of all time, a Hall of Fame coach, and one of the greatest defensive coordinators ever, you’ve got to build the roster step by step — and that starts with the draft.
“You have to look, you have Patrick Mahomes in your division. You have to have a long horizon when you’re looking to build an AFC West, and that’s what the Raiders are starting to do right now,” he added.
Rebuilding might not be exciting to casual fans, but it’s a must if the Raiders want to break a streak of three straight losing seasons and playoff absences. There’s no better time to start with a strong draft position and a head coach who knows how to bring people together and lead.