Could the Raiders Be the NFL’s Next Big Turnaround Story? One Analyst Thinks So
Let’s be honest - hope has been a tough sell in Las Vegas lately. Raiders fans have seen enough false starts and near-misses to keep their expectations in check. But with a new era on the horizon, one NFL analyst is leaning all the way in on the silver and black - and he's not alone in thinking the pieces might finally be falling into place.
The NFL has always been a league of rapid transformations. Just look at what the New England Patriots pulled off last season.
After a dismal 4-13 campaign under Jerod Mayo in 2024, they flipped the script in 2025 with Mike Vrabel at the helm, finishing 14-3 and making a Super Bowl run. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident - it takes smart spending, a culture shift, and most importantly, a quarterback on a rookie deal who allows the front office to build a strong supporting cast.
That’s the blueprint. And right now, the Raiders are staring at it like a map to buried treasure.
A New Coach, the No. 1 Pick, and a Whole Lot of Cap Space
With Super Bowl LX in the rearview, the Raiders are expected to bring in Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. While the hire isn’t official yet, all signs point to Kubiak taking the reins in Vegas. And if that happens, it marks a fresh start - one that fans are cautiously optimistic about.
Kubiak comes in with a reputation for developing quarterbacks and designing creative, modern offenses. His work with Sam Darnold this past season turned heads, and pairing that offensive mind with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is where things start to get really interesting.
According to analyst Mitch Milani, the Raiders are one of four teams poised to make a Patriots-style leap from the bottom of the division to potential Super Bowl contention. He even went as far as saying, “They already have Tom Brady, so they’re already trying to be the Patriots anyway. They’re halfway there.”
That’s a nod to Brady’s involvement as a minority owner - and while he’s not suiting up, his presence behind the scenes adds a layer of intrigue to the Raiders’ rebuild.
Milani believes the Raiders will use that top pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza, giving them “a real quarterback to believe in and build around.” Add in Kubiak’s offensive vision, and suddenly you’re looking at a foundation that could actually go somewhere.
Building Around Young Talent and Proven Playmakers
The Raiders already have some pieces in place. Tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty bring dynamic playmaking ability to the offense. Kolton Miller remains a steady presence protecting the blindside, and on defense, Maxx Crosby continues to be the heart and soul of the unit - a relentless force off the edge who sets the tone every Sunday.
And then there’s the financial flexibility. With the second-most cap space in the league, Las Vegas has the resources to make serious upgrades across the board. Whether it’s bringing in veteran leadership, bolstering the offensive line, or adding depth to the secondary, the Raiders are in a position to be aggressive - and smart - in free agency.
Milani summed it up this way: “We’ve seen rookie quarterbacks take over the league before… The Raiders, they might be back.”
Tempered Expectations, But Real Possibility
Let’s be clear: no one’s penciling the Raiders into Super Bowl LXI just yet. The AFC West is still a gauntlet, and even with a strong offseason, competing with the likes of the Chiefs and Chargers is no small task. There’s a long road ahead, and it’ll take more than just a flashy draft pick and a new coach to navigate it.
But if you’re a Raiders fan, you’re allowed to feel something you haven’t felt in a while - genuine, grounded optimism. The kind that isn’t based on hype, but on a real opportunity to build something sustainable.
We’ve seen it happen before. And in a league built on parity and possibility, why not the Raiders?
It’s February. Everyone’s undefeated. And in Las Vegas, for the first time in a long time, hope is back on the table.