The NFL offseason is a time of hope for most fanbases. Every team starts with the same record, the same amount of time to prepare and recover players, and all the “wins and losses” are reserved for free agency moves and draft analysis.
For teams coming off a disappointing season, the offseason often brings big changes — bold moves, free-agent signings, and even coaching overhauls. That’s the case with the Las Vegas Raiders, who took a chance by trading for former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and hiring legendary coach Pete Carroll as their new head coach.
During the NFL’s annual league meeting, Raiders owner Mark Davis spoke candidly — and with a sense of humor — about the team’s offseason and how he feels about the franchise’s direction.
‘This Is My Favorite Time’ Says Mark Davis
The Raiders are coming off a string of underwhelming seasons. Over the past eight years, Las Vegas has made the playoffs just once — in 2021, when it finished with a 10–7 record before losing in the wild-card round to the Cincinnati Bengals. That year also marked the team’s only winning season during that stretch.
This will be the third consecutive year the franchise enters the season with a new head coach. In 2023, Josh McDaniels began the year in charge, followed by Antonio Pierce taking over last season. Now, heading into the upcoming season, it will be Pete Carroll leading the team — and Davis addressed the ongoing coaching changes within the organization.
“I just didn’t get it right. That’s all there is to it,” Davis said.
Davis shared that the offseason is his favorite time of the year — pointing to the idea that every plan is still on the table and all teams, including division rivals, are starting from the same place.
“I say it every year, this is my favorite time. We are undefeated,” he added, via The Athletic.
According to ESPN Bet, the Raiders currently have 100-1 odds to win the Super Bowl — ranking 24th among all teams in championship probability. Despite that, Davis remains hopeful for a successful season, while acknowledging the odds are stacked against them.
“You always want to compete, but you have to be honest,” Davis said. “Are we going to win the Super Bowl this year? I don’t know. It’s possible.”
The Raiders currently hold the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and there’s plenty of speculation about which position the franchise will prioritize in the first round.
Ashton Jeanty has been floated as a possibility — a player who fits Pete Carroll’s old-school football philosophy — but a wide receiver or even a defensive prospect can’t be ruled out. The team lost key defensive pieces this offseason, including safety Tre’Von Moehrig, linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Nate Hobbs.
However, the franchise managed to retain star pass rusher Maxx Crosby on a deal averaging $35 million per year. With Geno Smith now under center and strong draft capital, the Raiders appear ready to try and compete as early as 2025.