An Offseason of Long-Shots Will Define Raiders' 2026

Things remain fluid for the Las Vegas Raiders' front office this offseason.

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Tom Brady signs autographs before the 2026 NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders hold the keys to their future.

The Raiders' front office is determined to turn things around in Las Vegas. Below are two possibilities that once seemed like a long shot that may still be possible.

Maxx Crosby Remains with the Team

Crosby's status with the Raiders has been one of the biggest topics this offseason, and rightfully so. The face of the Raiders' franchise could be on the move this offseason, as both the Raiders and Crosby would benefit from parting ways.

Still, Las Vegas has made it clear they would keep Crosby, despite his rumored feelings toward the team. The Raiders have little reason to trade Crosby for less than multiple first-round draft picks. If they cannot get what they want from him, he is more valuable on the roster.

Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It must be remembered that Crosby reportedly has or had an issue with the Raiders' front office. Not the other way around.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Geno Smith Starts Season in Las Vegas, Traded During the Season

The Raiders are widely expected to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Mendoza will undoubtedly be the Raiders' quarterback of the future. However, he may not start from Week 1, like many believed he would.

Las Vegas paid Smith a pretty penny but failed to get any return on its investment. They also traded a third-round pick for Smith. Smith may have more of a market from other teams than some expected after leading the league in interceptions.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Coaches around the league reportedly believe the Raiders' offensive scheme and coaching staff failed Smith, which is a fair assessment. Smith's supporting cast was not good either, as he played behind arguably the league's worst offensive line.

Both of those issues will be fixed under Kubiak, and with Mendoza's arrival. However, Smith can benefit from an improved roster this offseason. Las Vegas could get more bang for its buck by bringing Smith back and bringing Mendoza along slowly and starting in the middle of the season.

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) is tackled by New York Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"I think you want to limit the amount of pressure you have on that guy from the start. Now, if you have a young quarterback, I'm not necessarily in favor of running him out there right away either, so another quality player that can play the quarterback position if you have a young quarterback,” Spytek said. 

“And obviously, a great offensive line, a run game, all the things that can limit his chances to really get killed. And a great defense too, because if he doesn't feel like he's got to go out there and score 35 points every week, I think that's helpful."

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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