With free agency looming, don’t expect the Raiders to overreact to the Chargers signing Khalil Mack.
Vincent Bonsignore
Raiders reporter
Vinny has covered the Raiders extensively in the past, breaking news on their eventual move to Las Vegas and their thwarted return to Los Angeles. Before joining the Review-Journal, he covered the Rams for The Athletic and the Los Angeles Daily News.
Patrick Graham sees a sturdy foundation of players on defense. And that is before some of the expected reinforcements arrive via free agency and the draft.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold will become a free agent after the club opts against tendering him. The Raiders also will release linebacker Cory Littleton.
The Raiders feel the impact of Aaron Rodgers staying in Green Bay and Russell Wilson being traded to the Broncos.
The power structure created by Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler already feels different than the one left behind by Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.
With this front office, it will be interesting to see if the Raiders build a draft board simply reflecting their feelings on the best players from A to Z — and remain true to it.
The strong wide receiver performance at the scouting combine bodes well for the Raiders. The 2022 draft class offers as much explosiveness as any in recent history.
The Raiders aren’t in a rush to decide on where Alex Leatherwood will play on the offensive line. He is a key to what direction the Raiders take.
Josh McDaniels has already begun getting to know Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, with whom he has started a dialogue that is heavy on life and family and short on X’s and O’s.
For various reasons, including the potential availability of wide receiver Davante Adams, the Raiders are waiting on word about the future of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Raiders will play the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Hall of Fame game. Cliff Branch, who was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, will be honored in Canton at same time.
For Derek Carr, his calling as a preacher is as strong as his passion to play football. As both callings blossom, so too does his ability to balance the two.
Speaking for first time since Raiders coaching change, Derek Carr talked about building a relationship with the team’s new leadership team and a potential new contract.
Raiders fans have plenty of questions on the eve of the combine and free agency, including whether new coach Josh McDaniels faces a challenge getting his players to buy into his vision.
The Raiders have significant needs at offensive line and wide receiver, and several quality players at those positions will be available in free agency.