The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down a turbulent final stretch of the 2025 season, and the cracks in the foundation are becoming harder to ignore. Head coach Pete Carroll and first-year GM John Spytek haven’t exactly operated in sync, and the results on the field reflect that disconnect. From top to bottom, the roster feels like a patchwork job - and with the postseason slipping out of reach, it's clear that big changes are looming.
The next few weeks could define the direction of this franchise heading into the offseason. Carroll’s future remains a major storyline, but regardless of who’s calling the shots in 2026, one thing seems inevitable: several current Raiders won’t be sticking around to see it. Let’s break down five players who are unlikely to make it past December in Silver and Black.
1. Will Putnam, IOL
Putnam’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster - and not the fun kind. He made the 53-man roster and was given every opportunity to carve out a role, but the results just haven’t been there.
The Raiders tried him at guard, then moved him to center, but even with injuries and uncertainty up front, he’s now watching from the sidelines behind Alex Cappa - a player who’s never played center before this season. That says a lot.
The window was open for Putnam, but he couldn’t capitalize. At this point, the writing’s on the wall.
2. Leki Fotu, DT
Fotu hasn’t played poorly when he’s been on the field - that’s not the issue. The problem is how rarely that’s happened.
He’s been a healthy scratch multiple times this season, and when he does see action, he’s splitting reps with a pair of Day 3 rookies. That’s not a sign of confidence from the coaching staff.
For a veteran like Fotu, the situation may be just as frustrating on his end. A fresh start could benefit both sides, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s one of the first names off the roster come January.
3. Darnay Holmes, CB
Holmes has struggled to make an impact this year, and it feels like his time in Las Vegas is nearing its end. Rookie Greedy Vance Jr. has been waiting in the wings, and there’s a growing sense that it’s time to hand him the keys to the position full-time.
Holmes originally came to the Raiders because of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham - but with Graham’s seat heating up, Holmes’ spot on the depth chart is just as unstable. If the Raiders are serious about building a younger, more dynamic secondary, Holmes is likely the odd man out.
4. Daniel Carlson, K
This one stings a bit. Carlson has been one of the most reliable kickers in the league over the past few years - but that version of him hasn’t shown up in 2025.
His accuracy is down, his confidence looks shaken, and those clutch kicks that used to be automatic now feel like coin flips. Since 2022, his production has been trending in the wrong direction, and this season has only accelerated that decline.
Carlson’s legacy in Las Vegas is secure, but this new regime doesn’t carry the same loyalty to him. If they decide to move on, it’ll be a business decision, not a personal one.
5. Zamir White, RB
White has had opportunity after opportunity to claim a meaningful role in the Raiders’ offense - and each time, he’s come up short. Multiple coaching staffs have tried to make it work, but the consistency just hasn’t been there.
With Ashton Jeanty emerging as a potential long-term piece, the team needs a complementary back who can bring something different to the table. White hasn’t proven to be that guy.
It’s hard to see a scenario where the Raiders bring him back in 2026, especially with the need to reshape the backfield around Jeanty’s skill set.
Final Thoughts
The Raiders are clearly in transition, and the next few weeks will be less about wins and losses and more about evaluating who fits into the long-term vision.
Some of these departures feel inevitable - others are more about timing and opportunity. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this team in 2025, it’s that change is coming.
And for these five players, that change likely means the end of the road in Las Vegas.