6 Moves the Las Vegas Raiders Can Make to Right the Franchise in 2026

In consecutive weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders have looked abysmal in prime-time games. They scored two touchdowns in those outings, indicating where the team desperately needs help.

The Silver and Black's proud fanbase is fed up with the franchise's ineptitude at multiple levels, and a lot must change to turn it around. But where do owner Mark Davis and his braintrust start? 

The Raiders hired head coach and proven culture builder Pete Carroll, who added experienced offensive play-caller Chip Kelly to his staff and traded for two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith.

While these moves seemed promising for the offense and the team's direction, Las Vegas is 2-8, with the third-fewest points and a quarterback who's tied with Tua Tagovailoa for a league-leading 13 interceptions.

By the way, Carroll's defenses have ranked 24th or worse in scoring in his last three seasons as a head coach. 

Raiders fans are tired of hearing it by now, but it's time for another rebuild. The good news is teams rise from the foot of the standings to playoff contenders every year.

The franchise can restore its commitment to excellence with these offseason moves.

Fire Pete Carroll, Offer Klint Kubiak the Head Coaching Job

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll

The Raiders need to build a sustainable winning structure, and they can't do that with the league's oldest head coach, who will be 75 at the start of the 2026 season. 

Pete Carroll deserves respect for his resume and football wisdom, but he admitted the team is further behind than expected. At his age, the Super Bowl-winning lead skipper comes with a succession plan that may not work out after he steps down. 

Instead of putting the future in Carroll's hands amid a disastrous season, team brass should allow general manager John Spytek to have input on a new head coaching hire.

Carroll and his staff have refused to play much of an 11-player rookie draft class, which indicates a possible disconnect between Spytek and the coaching staff.

Last offseason, the Raiders missed out on Ben Johnson, who has led the Chicago Bears to an NFC North-leading 7-3 record and elevated quarterback Caleb Williams. Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady should lead the charge for Klint Kubiak, who's the play-caller for the Seattle Seahawks' third-ranked scoring offense. 

If Kubiak declines the offer, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is also a quality candidate. Las Vegas must swing for the fences to hire an innovative, play-calling head coach who will develop its quarterback of the future.

Sign the Best Interior Offensive Lineman Available in Free Agency

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum

Guard Dylan Parham will be a free agent in the offseason. Even if you believe Jackson Powers-Johnson is better suited to play center, he's suffered multiple injuries going back to his last collegiate year at Oregon.

The Raiders shouldn't put all their hope in Powers-Johnson staying healthy, and they can upgrade over Parham, who's been mostly average in four years with the team.

Spytek should emulate former Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie's approach by investing heavily in the offensive line during free agency. Between 2015 and 2016, McKenzie signed center Rodney Hudson and guard Kelechi Osemele, two Pro Bowl interior offensive linemen.

In 2026, Spytek should target three-time Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller or Tyler Linderbaum if the Baltimore Ravens make the mistake of letting him test free agency. Either one could turn Las Vegas' offensive line into a strength. 

The Raiders need to optimize Ashton Jeanty in the ground game. To do that, they must allocate more resources to the offensive line, while rookie third-rounders Charles Grant and Caleb Rogers develop at tackle and guard, respectively.

Bring Back Edge K'Lavon Chaisson via Free Agency

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

New England Patriots linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson

As a first-round pick out of LSU in 2020, K'Lavon Chaisson struggled in his first four pro years, only starting in 11 games and logging just five sacks. He started to show signs of promise with the Raiders in 2024, recording 32 tackles, seven for loss and six sacks.

Under the previous regime, Las Vegas found a gem of a midseason pickup in the 26-year-old, but the current administration didn't retain him. He signed with the New England Patriots in free agency and now leads the club with a career-high 6.5 sacks.

If Chaisson outprices himself in New England, Spytek should make a strong offer to bring him back to Vegas. Maxx Crosby needs a pass-rushing partner. On a one-year, $11 million prove-it deal, Malcolm Koonce hasn't bounced back to pre-injury form from a torn ACL. Tyree Wilson isn't playing up to first-round expectations. 

Last year, Chaisson filled in well for Koonce and outplayed Wilson for significant snaps on the edge. 

Draft a QB in 1st Round for First Time Since JaMarcus Russell in 2007

AP Photo/Mike Stone

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell

Since JaMarcus Russell's hugely disappointing tenure with the then-Oakland Raiders, the team hasn't drafted a quarterback in the first round. The franchise is long overdue for another early swing at a franchise signal-caller.

If the Tennessee Titans hold on to the No. 1 pick, Spytek can make an offer to move up for a top QB prospect, likely Indiana's Fernando Mendoza or Oregon's Dante Moore. With rookie signal-caller Cam Ward, the Titans should be looking to trade down and add more talent around him.

Alternatively, Las Vegas can do what the New York Giants did this year: Take the best player available with its first pick and then trade back into the first round for a quarterback. 

One way or another, the Raiders can't be afraid to play quarterback blackjack with the fear of being dealt another Russell.

Take Best Offensive Lineman Available in Round 2

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller

Based on the state of the Raiders' offensive line, one key acquisition isn't enough. 

They don't have a reliable backup behind Kolton Miller, who's 30 and on injured reserve with a significant ankle injury. According to Pro Football Focus, right tackle DJ Glaze has allowed five sacks and 22 pressures while on the field for 329 pass-blocking snaps. Rookie third-rounders Charles Grant and Caleb Rogers have played one offensive snap combined. 

If the Raiders aren't able to sign an established guard in free agency, that position should be a priority early in the draft. Otherwise, they can find competition for Glaze at right tackle.

Yes, Parham and Glaze can be solid at times, but the Raiders need to look for upgrades wherever possible, raising their standards from mediocrity to above average.

Again, remember the (Derek) Carr Insurance offensive line group. It featured three Pro Bowl-caliber players: Donald Penn, Kelechi Osemele and Rodney Hudson.

Target a Linebacker or Safety on Day 2 of the Draft

AP Photo/David Becker

Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn

While linebacker and safety aren't premium positions in terms of demand in free agency or draft projection, the Raiders must restock both spots for the long-term future.

The team's starting linebackers, Devin White and Elandon Roberts, have expiring contracts. The former has played well enough to earn a new deal, but the latter will be 32 in April. Jamal Adams, who transitioned from safety to linebacker, is also on a one-year contract. He'll be 31 next year.

Jeremy Chinn can play multiple positions in the secondary, but he's best suited to line up in the box. The versatile defensive back has allowed a passer rating of 105.3 (out of a possible 158.3) or worse in five out of six seasons.  

Las Vegas needs another young linebacker, whether it re-signs White or not, and a safety who can erase mistakes in coverage with takeaways.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.