Can Pete Carroll Fix the Raiders? A Deep Dive into the 2025 Rebuild

The Las Vegas Raiders are a team steeped in history, but recent seasons have been a far cry from the glory days. After a disappointing 4-13 finish in 2024, marked by an offense that struggled to find consistency, the Raiders turned to a familiar face to lead them into a new era: Pete Carroll. But can the Super Bowl-winning coach, now at the helm in Las Vegas, truly fix the Raiders and guide them back to contention in the ultra-competitive AFC West? Let’s delve into the 2025 rebuild and examine the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

A New Sheriff in Town: Carroll’s Arrival and Vision

The Raiders’ decision to hire Pete Carroll sent shockwaves through the NFL. After 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he led the team to two Super Bowl appearances and one victory, Carroll brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to Las Vegas. At 73 years old, he surpasses Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs as the league’s oldest head coach, proving that age is just a number when it comes to passion and dedication.

Carroll’s arrival signals a clear shift in direction for the Raiders. General Manager John Spytek, hired shortly before Carroll, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a focus on winning now, rather than a drawn-out rebuild. This aggressive approach is a welcome sign for Raiders fans who are eager to see their team return to prominence. Carroll himself has stated, “We’re starting right now and going for it immediately… We’re going to start right now, (we’re) going to go after it and build this team as quickly as we can.”

Addressing the Quarterback Conundrum

One of the most pressing issues facing Carroll and the Raiders is the quarterback position. In 2024, the Raiders struggled to find stability under center, with inconsistent performances plaguing the offense. As of March 2025, the Raiders’ roster includes Aidan O’Connell and Carter Bradley. The team released Gardner Minshew, signaling a potential shift in their quarterback strategy.

Carroll has a history of developing quarterbacks, most notably Russell Wilson, whom he drafted in the third round and guided to Super Bowl glory. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Carroll expressed his desire to create a similar competitive environment in Las Vegas, suggesting that the Raiders may explore both free agency and the draft to find their future signal-caller.

Potential quarterback targets for the Raiders include:

Veteran Free Agents: The Raiders could look to sign a veteran quarterback to provide experience and leadership while a younger player develops.
Rookie Draft Picks: With the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders have an opportunity to select a promising young quarterback.

Rebuilding the Offense: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Beyond the quarterback position, the Raiders’ offense needs a significant overhaul. In 2024, the team ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing, highlighting the need for a more dynamic and balanced attack.

To address these issues, Carroll has brought in Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator. Kelly’s innovative offensive schemes and track record of success could provide the spark the Raiders’ offense desperately needs. The Raiders also hired Greg Olson as quarterbacks coach.

Key areas of focus for the Raiders’ offensive rebuild include:

Establishing a Running Game: The Raiders need to find a reliable running back to take pressure off the quarterback and control the clock. Rookie Ashton Jeanty from Boise State is a potential target.
Upgrading the Receiving Corps: Trading Davante Adams created a need for more playmakers at wide receiver. The Raiders could target a receiver with their second-round pick, such as Jayden Higgins from Iowa State.
Improving the Offensive Line: Protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes will be crucial for the Raiders’ offensive success. The team signed Alex Cappa to bolster the offensive line.

Strengthening the Defense: Carroll’s Defensive Prowess

While the offense needs significant work, the Raiders’ defense has the potential to be a strength under Carroll’s leadership. Carroll has a long history of building dominant defenses, most notably the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle.

The Raiders already have a cornerstone player in Maxx Crosby, an elite pass rusher who has consistently disrupted opposing offenses. However, the team needs to add more talent and depth to the defensive line and secondary to create a truly formidable unit.

Potential defensive targets for the Raiders include:

Defensive Line: Adding a disruptive defensive tackle to complement Crosby would significantly improve the Raiders’ pass rush.
Cornerback: The Raiders’ secondary needs an upgrade, and they could target a cornerback with their first-round pick. Jahdae Barron from Texas is a potential option.
Linebacker: With Robert Spillane leaving in free agency, the Raiders need to find a replacement at linebacker. Jeffrey Bassa from Oregon is a potential target.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Can Pete Carroll fix the Raiders? The answer is complex and depends on a variety of factors. The Raiders face significant challenges in the AFC West, which is arguably the toughest division in the NFL, with formidable opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos.

However, the Raiders also have several opportunities to improve their team and compete for a playoff spot. Carroll’s experience and leadership, combined with Spytek’s talent evaluation skills and Brady’s input, could create a winning formula in Las Vegas. The Raiders also have a favorable draft position and ample cap space to add talent to their roster.

Ultimately, the success of the Raiders’ rebuild will depend on their ability to:

Find a franchise quarterback: This is the most critical piece of the puzzle.
Develop a balanced offense: The Raiders need to be able to run and pass effectively.
Build a dominant defense: Carroll’s defensive expertise will be crucial.
Create a winning culture: Carroll needs to instill a sense of discipline, accountability, and teamwork.

The 2025 season will be a crucial test for Pete Carroll and the Raiders. While a Super Bowl run may be unrealistic in the short term, Raiders fans are hoping to see significant progress and a clear vision for the future. With Carroll at the helm, the Raiders have a chance to reclaim their place among the NFL’s elite.