The Klint Kubiak era is officially underway in Las Vegas. Fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Seattle Seahawks, the former offensive coordinator is stepping into one of the NFL's most challenging rebuilds. The Raiders are coming off a brutal 3-14 season, and with a roster in flux and a fanbase hungry for relevance, Kubiak has his work cut out for him.
Here’s a look at five key moves Kubiak needs to make to get the Raiders back on track-and fast.
1. Make a Tough Call on Maxx Crosby
Maxx Crosby has been the heart and soul of this Raiders defense for years, but the writing might be on the wall. According to reports, there’s growing belief that Crosby and the Raiders are heading for a split this offseason. As painful as that sounds, it might be the right move for both sides.
Crosby just wrapped up another elite season-his fifth Pro Bowl nod, second in the league in tackles for loss (28), trailing only Myles Garrett. Even after undergoing knee surgery, his value remains sky-high. A trade package could mirror what Dallas received for Micah Parsons: multiple first-round picks and a quality defensive player in return.
If the Raiders are serious about a full-scale rebuild, flipping Crosby for premium draft capital could accelerate that process. It’s never easy to part ways with a franchise cornerstone, but if the goal is long-term success, this might be the necessary first step.
2. Find-and Develop-the Franchise QB
The Raiders took a swing last offseason by trading for Geno Smith and signing him to a two-year, $75 million deal. But the results were rough. Smith led the league in interceptions (17) over 15 starts, and the offense never found its rhythm.
Now, all signs point to Vegas using the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman winner lit up college football last year, throwing 41 touchdown passes while leading the Hoosiers to their first national title.
At 6'5", 225 pounds with mobility and a live arm, Mendoza checks a lot of boxes. He may not have the same raw tools as some of the recent top picks like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, but his production and poise under pressure speak volumes. If Kubiak can mold Mendoza the way he helped develop quarterbacks in Seattle and Minnesota, the Raiders might finally have their long-term answer under center.
3. Unlock Ashton Jeanty’s Potential
Ashton Jeanty came into the league with sky-high expectations after a historic final season at Boise State, where he rushed for over 2,600 yards. But his rookie year was underwhelming-975 yards on 3.7 yards per carry across 17 games.
That said, the talent is clearly there. And if there’s one thing Kubiak has proven, it’s that he knows how to get the most out of his running backs.
Just look at what he did with Kenneth Walker III in Seattle. Walker ran for 1,027 yards in the regular season and capped it off with a Super Bowl MVP performance, racking up 135 yards on 27 carries in the title game.
Jeanty is excited about the hire, and for good reason. With the right blocking scheme and play design, he could be in for a breakout sophomore campaign. Kubiak’s track record suggests he’ll know exactly how to get Jeanty rolling.
4. Rebuild the Offensive Line-From the Ground Up
No matter how innovative your offense is, it won’t matter if the line can’t protect the quarterback or open up running lanes. That was the Raiders’ reality last season. The O-line gave up a league-high 64 sacks and ranked dead last in yards before contact (601), meaning runners were getting hit almost immediately after the handoff.
That has to change-and fast.
One potential fix could come in free agency. A player like Braden Smith from the Colts would be a smart target. Smith allowed a blown block on just 3.8% of his 718 snaps last season, a solid mark that would represent a major upgrade for Vegas.
Whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or both, Kubiak and the front office need to prioritize the trenches. You can’t build a winning offense without a foundation, and right now, the Raiders’ line is crumbling.
5. Tap Into Tom Brady’s Football Brain
Tom Brady’s role with the Raiders remains a bit of a mystery, but one thing’s clear: he’s in the building, and he’s invested. As a minority owner and seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady brings a level of insight and experience that few can match.
Kubiak and Brady reportedly hit it off during the interview process, bonding over their shared “all ball” mentality. That’s a good start. Now, Kubiak would be wise to keep that line of communication open.
Whether it’s game-planning, quarterback development, or just understanding the nuances of winning culture, Brady’s perspective could be invaluable. He’s not just a figurehead-he’s a resource, and one Kubiak should lean on as he navigates his first head coaching job.
The Bottom Line
Klint Kubiak is stepping into a high-pressure situation in Las Vegas, but he’s not walking in blind. He’s fresh off a Super Bowl run, has a potential franchise QB on the way, and a chance to reshape the roster in his image. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight-but the blueprint is there.
Now it’s on Kubiak to execute it.