The Las Vegas Raiders are on a mission to compete and win in the 2025 NFL season, eager to shed the label of rebuilding and aiming for a competitive edge in the upcoming games. Under the leadership of new head coach Pete Carroll, hired at the end of January, the team has initiated strategic additions to improve various positions, with a particular focus on enhancing their run game, which has struggled significantly in the past seasons.
One major move to bolster their effort was signing veteran running back Raheem Mostert during this offseason. Mostert, a dynamic player with a track record, adds depth to a backfield that faced considerable challenges last year, as the Raiders started four different running backs in 2024 with none exceeding 430 rushing yards. For context, Mostert has accumulated nearly 4,000 rushing yards across ten NFL seasons, including a standout performance where he rushed over 1,000 yards in the 2023-24 season. His experience and durability are viewed as crucial for a team that faced injuries in their running back ranks last season.
Mostert has expressed the importance of health in prolonging a player’s career, stating, “I would say it's all about health. Obviously, as a player you're going through ups and downs in the health world, but I've managed to be able to stay healthy on a healthy track.” His insights could prove vital for the Raiders’ current running backs, many of whom struggled with health issues in 2024.
As the team evaluates their roster, attention is also turning to Zamir White, a young running back entering a critical fourth season. After an impressive finish to the 2023 season — where he rushed for 397 yards over the last four games — White failed to replicate that success in 2024, accumulating just 183 yards and a single touchdown, hindered by injuries. The Raiders are relying on White to step up and showcase his potential, especially with Mostert on board to mentor him.
All of these adjustments come in light of a broader shift in the NFL back to run-heavy strategies. Teams are seeing the effectiveness of strong rushing attacks, as exemplified by players like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry leading their teams to success. The Raiders, desperate to salvage their playoff drought, must find a reliable spark in their run game.
In addition to the backfield changes, the Raiders are actively addressing other critical roster needs, including the defensive line. They met with veteran defensive tackle Leki Fotu, who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Fotu, known for his imposing size at 6’5” and 335 pounds, has shown promise in his collegiate years and has a solid professional record, although his recent career was marred by injuries while with the New York Jets in 2024.
Fotu’s experience and abilities in stopping the run come at a crucial time as the Raiders look to build depth on their defensive line. Over four seasons with the Cardinals, he accumulated 67 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, and his potential addition could enhance the Raiders' defensive strategy moving forward.
While the Raiders are working diligently to strengthen their current roster, certain players, like wide receiver Tre Tucker, face a make-or-break moment in their careers. Tucker, who took advantage of starter playing time given the trade of Davante Adams, struggled significantly in the 2024 season, placing among the lowest in getting open among wide receivers. According to NFL analyst Warren Sharp, Tucker struggled to get open at the second highest rate in the league, and his production reflected this, with just 47 catches for 539 yards.
This lackluster performance cannot be repeated if Tucker hopes to maintain his role with the team. The Raiders are looking for him to improve his reliability as a receiver, especially as they continue reshaping their roster and evolving under the new coaching staff and the strategies that they’re implementing.
The expectations for the Las Vegas Raiders as they head into the 2025 season are high, yet realistic. They are making calculated movements in free agency to secure the necessary talent and depth in an attempt to build a more competitive team. With the additions of players like Mostert and their active pursuit of defensive assets like Fotu, the Raiders are indicating they aim not just to compete but to make a serious mark in the coming season. It will be a test of coaching strategy, player performance, and the ability to stay healthy, particularly in a league that rewards those who can effectively balance both power-running philosophies and efficiency on the field.
