The Raiders are heading into the final stretch of a turbulent 2025 season, and with just three games left, head coach Pete Carroll finds himself in a tough spot. The team’s playoff hopes are all but extinguished, and the focus now shifts to the future-one that likely won’t include Carroll on the sidelines.
That reality makes the next few weeks all the more important for the Raiders’ front office. It’s about more than just closing out the season-it’s about making smart decisions that set the table for 2026. And on Raider Nation Radio, longtime team insider JT the Brick didn’t hold back on what he thinks those decisions should look like.
Let’s break it down.
All Eyes on Aidan O’Connell
First and foremost, JT made it clear: it’s time to hand the offense over to Aidan O’Connell. No more rotating quarterbacks, no more reps for veterans who won’t be part of the long-term plan. Just give O’Connell the keys and let him drive this thing to the finish line.
There’s logic behind that. The Raiders already know what they have in Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett.
Smith, for all his leadership and experience, simply didn’t deliver in 2025. Pickett hasn’t shown enough to justify another look.
So why not give O’Connell one more shot? Even if he doesn’t light it up, the reps could be valuable, and it gives the front office one last data point before heading into what’s shaping up to be a pivotal offseason at the quarterback position.
Protect the Future: Limit Jeanty, Monitor Maxx
Another point JT raised was about managing the workload of key players-starting with running back Ashton Jeanty. The rookie has been a bright spot this year, but there’s no need to run him into the ground in meaningless games.
He’s proven he can be a weapon in this offense. Now it’s about making sure he’s healthy and ready to roll in 2026.
The same goes for Maxx Crosby. If his knee continues to give him trouble, there’s no shame in shutting him down.
Crosby’s one of the emotional leaders of this team, and if he can’t go at 100%, there’s no reason to risk long-term damage. It’s a tough call-Maxx is a warrior and probably won’t want to sit-but the smart play might be to think long-term here.
Time to See the Rookies
JT also floated the idea of giving linebacker Tommy Eichenberg more snaps over Devin White. That’s a move that could resonate with fans who’ve been waiting to see what the rookie can do in extended action. White hasn’t exactly locked down the position this season, and with the Raiders clearly in evaluation mode, it makes sense to give Eichenberg a real look.
This is the time to find out who can be part of the next core. Who’s going to fight for a roster spot?
Who can develop into a starter? These are the questions the coaching staff should be answering between now and Week 18.
The Mendoza Factor
Perhaps the most telling part of JT’s commentary was his mention of Mendoza-the quarterback prospect who’s widely seen as the top prize in the upcoming draft. JT has long been one of the loudest voices against the idea of “tanking,” but even he seems to recognize what’s at stake here.
He didn’t come out and say it, but the implication is clear: the Raiders need to give themselves the best possible shot at landing the No. 1 overall pick. And if that means making some uncomfortable decisions in the short term, so be it.
Because let’s face it-this isn’t just about getting a talented player. It’s about changing the trajectory of the franchise. If Mendoza is truly the kind of quarterback who can transform a team, then the Raiders have to do everything in their power to be in position to draft him.
Looking Ahead
There’s no sugarcoating it-the 2025 season didn’t go the way the Raiders hoped. But these final three games still matter. Not for the standings, but for the future.
This is a time for clarity. For tough decisions.
For putting development and long-term vision ahead of short-term results. Whether it’s giving O’Connell the reins, protecting cornerstone players like Jeanty and Crosby, or seeing what young guys like Eichenberg can do, the Raiders have a chance to use these games wisely.
And if that path leads them to the top of the draft board and a shot at a franchise-altering quarterback? Then this disappointing season might just be the beginning of something better.