Raiders fans have something to look forward to this season: New HC, new QB and Tom Brady behind the scenes
After a disappointing 4-13 season last year, the Las Vegas Raiders have reason for optimism in 2025 after making some serious changes.
Last year, the Las Vegas Raiders had a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team. Even their starting quarterback wasn’t a sure thing. They ended up going 4-13 with the second-worst passing grade in the league as well as the worst rushing grade, but are looking at a fresh new start in 2025 as they have completely revamped the offense and the front office.
Raiders have reason for optimism
This offseason, the Raiders have added Geno Smith as their starting quarterback, they drafted running back Ashton Jeanty, they hired Pete Carroll as head coach and Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, and they’ve got NFL legend Tom Brady working behind the scenes as partial owner. That’s a lot of major changes - and positive ones.
Smith and Jeanty alone provide much more stability on offense than the Raiders had in 2024. And with Carroll at the helm, it’s no surprise he brought his former Seattle Seahawks quarterback onto the squad to play for him.
"It's not just friendship. It's the shared experience."@Raiders head coach Pete Carroll talks about how important it was to bring @GenoSmith3 to the Silver and Black ⬇️ @OmarDRuiz @cfrelund pic.twitter.com/itsCEihdlP
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 4, 2025
“Geno’s no different than he was the first day we got him,” Carroll said. He emphasized how seriously Smith took his role as a backup, knowing that he may have to step up at any moment, despite being a backup for several years.
“He’s trying to make me the best I can be and I’m trying to make him the best he can be,” Carroll said. “And we’re willing to challenge each other to get that done because we’re both competitors...it’s such a significant change for us to have him in this new program and new Raiders."
Smith himself is feeling optimistic as well, saying that he thinks the Raiders will shock NFL fans - that they are “working in the shadows”.
"Let 'em sleep. I don't want them to see us coming. We're working in the shadows."@GenoSmith3 is confident in his @Raiders team heading into the season. @RapSheet @OmarDRuiz pic.twitter.com/4RWr87PbXS
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 4, 2025
Smith also talked about how valuable it’s been to have Tom Brady to go to for advice. Brady became a minority owner in October 2024 and made a surprise appearance at the Raiders’ training camp on Friday.
He was seen speaking with players like Raheem Mostert and Brock Bowers, as well as general manager John Spytek, who previously worked with Brady in Tampa Bay. While Brady’s exact role with the team is still unclear, he is expected to be more visible this season, despite his ongoing broadcasting duties with FOX.
Raiders owner Mark Davis praised Brady when he joined the ownership group, hinting that Brady could help the team evaluate and mentor future quarterbacks. Although Las Vegas signed Smith and drafted Cam Miller late in 2025, Brady may influence the franchise’s long-term quarterback plans. His presence at practice signals a more active role as the team continues to rebuild.
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