Change is coming to Las Vegas as the Pete Carroll era officially begins with the 2025 season.
After a disappointing 2024 campaign that ended with a 4-13 record and a fourth-place finish in the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders are searching for a fresh start under new leadership.
This offseason brought notable acquisitions while the team retained crucial talent, creating genuine momentum heading into the new season.
The optimism building in Vegas has caught the attention of analyst Steve Palazzolo, as he suggests that this team might be positioned to make a massive leap in 2025.
“There are still some questions that need answering here for the Raiders… (But) This feels like the team that could just take a massive leap this year, though. With Pete Carroll coming in, with Geno Smith coming in, and some of the talent that they have added. And just getting a healthy Max Crosby, healthy Christian Wilkins, those are the types of things I think could help the Raiders quite a bit here,” Palazzolo said.
“The Raiders feel like the team that could take a massive leap here.” – @StevePalazzolo_
“Geno Smith at quarterback completely transforms them.” – @SamMonsonNFL
Check the Mic breaks down the Raiders’ projected win total 👀 pic.twitter.com/WEXk62m9JR
— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) May 23, 2025
The quarterback position represents the most significant upgrade.
Compared to what the Raiders endured with Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew, Smith brings a major step forward.
He provides structure, stability, and the ability to maximize the weapons around him.
The offensive pieces are finally falling into place.
Brock Bowers enters his second year with increased expectations, while dynamic rookie back Ashton Jeanty adds another dimension to the ground game.
Solid receiving options like Jack Bech give the passing attack legitimate firepower to work with.
The offensive line continues to develop, particularly if DJ Glaze can hold his own at right tackle.
The team clearly trusts him with that responsibility, and early signs suggest he might be ready for the challenge.
While the defense still needs work, the modern NFL rewards explosive offensive play, and the Raiders appear ready to embrace that philosophy.
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