Inside the Raiders’ Rebuild: Draft Dreams, Coaching Questions, and a Fanbase Rooting for Losses
When the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders square off this Sunday, there’s more at stake than just a win or loss - and ironically, that’s exactly why some fans on both sides might be hoping their team doesn’t come out on top.
This is one of those late-season matchups where the scoreboard might matter less than the draft board. With both teams deep in the running for the No. 1 overall pick, the outcome could have long-term implications that stretch far beyond Week 17. And in Las Vegas, the situation is especially layered - from questions about Pete Carroll’s future to the potential pursuit of a franchise quarterback.
Let’s break down where the Raiders stand heading into this game, what the fanbase is thinking, and what the future might hold for a team that’s clearly at a crossroads.
Are the Raiders Tanking? Not Officially, But the Signs Are There
Let’s be clear: the Raiders aren’t waving the white flag on Sundays. Pete Carroll and his staff are still coaching to win, and last week’s narrow two-point loss to a playoff-contending Texans team showed they’re not mailing it in.
But actions speak louder than press conferences, and the recent move to place key starters - including tight end Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn - on injured reserve has raised some eyebrows. Bowers, in particular, has been the focal point of the Raiders’ passing attack.
Removing him from the equation this late in the season? That’s the kind of move that suggests the front office might be more focused on April than January.
And with the No. 1 pick still in play, the idea of “tanking” - or at least deprioritizing wins - isn’t lost on the fanbase. Many in Raider Nation are openly rooting for losses down the stretch, hoping to secure the top pick and finally land a long-term answer at quarterback. Or, at the very least, be in position to trade the pick for a haul of assets, much like the Bears did with Carolina not too long ago.
Pete Carroll’s Future: One-and-Done in the Desert?
It’s been a rough ride in Year 1 for Pete Carroll in Las Vegas. The team hasn’t found its footing, the offense has sputtered, and the defense has struggled to stop the run. With Carroll turning 75 next September and the franchise staring down what looks like a multi-year rebuild, the writing may already be on the wall.
Carroll has said he’s open to sticking around for a rebuild, but the timeline just doesn’t align. This isn’t a quick-fix situation.
The Raiders need help in the trenches, a quarterback of the future, and a new identity. That’s a tall order for any coach, let alone one entering his mid-70s.
If you’re betting on the future, it’s hard to see Carroll returning next season - whether that’s by choice or by ownership’s decision.
Trade-Up Watch: Would the Raiders Make a Move for the No. 1 Pick?
If the Giants end up with the top pick, don’t be surprised if the Raiders come calling. But whether they pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade depends on two key variables: how they evaluate Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and whether Oregon’s Dante Moore declares for the draft.
If Moore enters the draft, the Raiders might feel comfortable staying put and grabbing him wherever they land. But if Moore returns to school, and Mendoza is the clear-cut top QB on the board, that could push Las Vegas into aggressive mode.
Still, there’s some hesitation. Mendoza isn’t viewed as a consensus QB1 right now, and if the front office isn’t sold, they may opt to wait another year - especially considering the offensive line needs a major overhaul.
Drafting a quarterback into a broken offense rarely ends well. The Raiders know that, and they may choose to build the foundation first.
One Giant the Raiders Would Love to Steal? Dexter Lawrence
If there’s one player on the Giants’ roster who could instantly change the Raiders’ defense, it’s Dexter Lawrence.
Las Vegas has been soft up the middle all year. They lack a true nose tackle and have struggled to generate interior pressure.
Plug Lawrence into that D-line, and suddenly Maxx Crosby isn’t facing double-teams every snap. You shore up the run defense and give the pass rush a much-needed boost.
And beyond the scheme fit, there’s a genuine admiration for Lawrence’s game. He’s the kind of disruptive force the Raiders have been missing for years - a tone-setter in the trenches who makes everyone around him better.
What’s Next at Head Coach? Raiders Could Be Looking for a QB Whisperer
If Pete Carroll is out, the Raiders’ coaching search will likely focus on one key trait: the ability to develop a young quarterback.
That’s easier said than done. This year’s coaching cycle isn’t exactly overflowing with proven offensive minds, and that could complicate things for a team that desperately needs to hit on its next hire.
Historically, owner Mark Davis has leaned on experienced names - Jack Del Rio, Jon Gruden, Josh McDaniels, and now Carroll. But that formula hasn’t worked, and the fanbase is hoping for a shift toward a younger, more innovative coach - someone in the mold of a Sean McVay.
Three names have surfaced as early possibilities if the job opens up: Robert Saleh, Chris Shula, and Klint Kubiak.
- Robert Saleh fits the experienced mold and was reportedly offered the Raiders’ defensive coordinator role last offseason. He ended up back in San Francisco, but the interest was real.
- Chris Shula brings youth and pedigree, though he’s still building his resume.
- Klint Kubiak might be the best fit.
He’s an offensive mind with quarterback development experience, and that combination could be exactly what the Raiders need.
The good news? Las Vegas has a lot to offer.
Ten draft picks. The second-most cap space in the league.
And the opportunity for a new coach to build the roster in their own image. That’s a rare level of control in today’s NFL, and it could be the trump card that helps the Raiders land their next leader.
The Bigger Picture
This Sunday’s game might not mean much in the standings, but it could shape the future of both franchises. For the Raiders, it’s about more than just draft position - it’s about direction.
Who’s the quarterback of the future? Who’s the coach to lead the rebuild?
And how quickly can this team return to relevance?
The answers won’t come overnight. But with the right moves - and maybe a few more losses - the Raiders could be setting themselves up for a much brighter 2026.