Pete Carroll’s Blueprint: How the Raiders Are Rebuilding for a 2025 Breakout

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2025 season with an unfamiliar sense of optimism. They’ve cycled through coaches, front offices, and quarterbacks for years. This offseason feels different. The energy surrounding the Silver and Black has shifted.

Much of this change stems from the arrival of Pete Carroll, the spirited, championship-winning head coach now at the helm in Las Vegas. Alongside him stands general manager John Spytek, a respected football mind.

They’ve set out to reshape the Raiders into a playoff-caliber team. It’s a bold new era, driven by fresh leadership, calculated risks, and a roster infused with promising talent.

Pete Carroll and John Spytek: The New Architects

Mark Davis, the often-criticized Raiders owner, knew he had to reset the franchise’s direction. Years of disappointment since the team’s move to Las Vegas had worn thin. This time, Davis sought experience and proven results. That pursuit led him to Pete Carroll, whose résumé boasts college and NFL championships.

At 73, Carroll isn’t just the oldest head coach in the league—he’s also the most energetic. His high-energy style has already left a mark during offseason workouts. Players have noticed his enthusiasm, which has ignited a competitive spark inside the building. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers marveled at Carroll’s relentless passion, joking about its almost supernatural quality.

Spytek complements Carroll perfectly. Known for his keen scouting eye, Spytek brings a thoughtful, measured approach to the front office. His pairing with Carroll isn’t just about short-term gains but sustainable success. Together, they’ve begun instilling a culture of accountability, toughness, and belief.

Tom Brady’s Subtle Influence

While Pete Carroll and John Spytek are steering the ship, another familiar face quietly shapes the Raiders’ future—Tom Brady. Now a minority owner, Brady’s role has been subtle yet impactful. His legendary work ethic and championship pedigree provide a north star for the entire organization.

During this offseason, insiders have pointed to Brady’s advisory role as another sign of a more mature process in Las Vegas. His presence isn’t just symbolic. Brady’s influence stretches from the quarterback room to broader personnel decisions, reinforcing a new sense of direction.

Veteran Stability at Quarterback

Las Vegas also addressed a long-standing problem by trading for Geno Smith. Carroll’s former quarterback in Seattle will lead the Raiders’ offense. Smith isn’t flashy but efficient and steady—a welcome change from previous seasons of uncertainty under center.

Smith, ranked comfortably within the league’s top dozen quarterbacks, gives the Raiders stability. His familiarity with Carroll’s system speeds up the learning curve. Having an established presence behind center is a luxury the Raiders have rarely enjoyed in recent years. That advantage should immediately elevate their offensive ceiling—and perhaps even shift the Week 1 NFL odds in their favor.

A New Core: Jeanty and Other Rookie Stars

Few moves from this offseason generated as much excitement as the selection of running back Ashton Jeanty as the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Jeanty, a dynamic playmaker, was instantly labeled a “generational talent” by teammates.

Though full-contact practices are still ahead, Jeanty has already dazzled with his versatility. Coaches have experimented with him as a runner and receiver, eager to unlock mismatches across the field. His addition addresses a glaring weakness—the Raiders ranked last in rushing yards per game in 2024.

Jeanty isn’t just a spark for the offense; he’s part of a broader youth movement. Carroll has shown a willingness to trust rookies, giving first-team reps to young players such as cornerback Darien Porter, wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., and second-round pick Jack Bech. It’s a calculated risk that could pay off in spades if the youngsters develop quickly.

Building Through Grit and Depth

Pete Carroll’s blueprint has always revolved around physicality and depth. He’s wasting no time applying that philosophy in Las Vegas.

The Raiders fortified their linebacking corps by signing Germaine Pratt, who tallied 143 tackles last season. Pratt joins Elandon Roberts and Devin White, forming a hard-nosed group built to punish opposing offenses. Carroll praised their toughness, calling them “downhill players” who fit perfectly into the Raiders’ aggressive defensive scheme.

However, concerns remain on the defensive front. Star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is recovering from a broken foot, leaving his availability uncertain. His absence allows others to step up, but no true replacement exists for a player of his caliber.

Still, Carroll isn’t dwelling on injuries. He focuses on competition, resilience, and developing the next wave of Raiders stars.

Eyes on the Secondary

The Raiders are in a position to strengthen their defensive backfield. With over $36 million in cap space, Las Vegas is among the favorites to pursue cornerback Jaire Alexander, recently released by Green Bay. His arrival would greatly boost a secondary that needs more playmakers.

If Alexander signs, he would join an emerging unit that has been tested throughout offseason workouts. Carroll has made it clear that competition in the secondary will be fierce, and every spot will be earned, not given.

Will the Raiders’ Bold Gambles Pay Off?

No discussion of the Raiders’ rebuild is complete without addressing its biggest gamble. Carroll’s age and Smith’s limited window naturally raise questions about how long this new era can realistically last.

Both men are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning, and neither move guarantees long-term results. Yet, that’s precisely what makes this blueprint so compelling. Carroll and Smith share deep familiarity, and their partnership could jump-start the Raiders far quicker than most rebuilds.

The chemistry is already evident, and their combined experience gives the team a fighting chance to break through—something even FanDuel’s NFL matchup predictions suggest could happen sooner than expected.

The Raiders aren’t just trying to improve—they aim to win now, while also building for the future. It’s a tricky balance, but one Carroll has managed successfully before.

The Gamble for Greatness Begins

The Las Vegas Raiders have spent years searching for a formula that works. Now, they believe they’ve found it. Pete Carroll’s arrival has ushered in a wave of optimism that feels different from past offseasons. His leadership, revamped roster, and front office built on football acumen have the Raiders dreaming big.

For the first time in a long while, the Silver and Black aren’t just chasing relevance—they’re chasing greatness. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a fascinating ride in the desert, and all eyes will be on Carroll’s blueprint as it unfolds.