Raiders rebuild: Is there real hope this time?

Is there a bright future for the Dark Side? It’s an honest question as the Las Vegas Raiders enter another reset.

The Raiders are rebuilding their roster—again. Through decades of fits and starts, one theme has remained: broken promises and disappointment. It has reached the point where every fresh start comes with the same vow—this time will be different.

Unlike previous attempts to restart the winning tradition that once made the Raiders one of the NFL’s iconic franchises, there are reasons to believe the pieces could finally be lining up. After what feels like rock bottom for much of Raider Nation, the only direction left is up.

With that in mind, it is worth considering a potential path forward—one that could buy the new regime time and goodwill with the fan base. It may not unfold this way, but the outline is clear enough to warrant the exercise.

Part I: Raiders will soon have their head coach and quarterback duo…

Every great team starts with a talented quarterback on the field and an innovative play-caller on the sideline. Klint Kubiak fits the latter role, and Fernando Mendoza could grow into the former.

Raiders general manager John Spytek recently said he does not believe in throwing young quarterbacks into bad situations. That raises a reasonable question: Could the Raiders treat Year 1 of this pairing as a “getting to know you” season, with development prioritized over wins?

Assume the answer is yes. In that scenario, the Raiders still end up with a high draft pick in 2027, but they also show competitive flashes from a young core that is beginning to take shape.

Part II: Selling high…

Rumors about Maxx Crosby’s future are constant. That comes with the territory when an elite player is tied to a team that has not won enough.

Injuries and staff turnover could make the timing of any deal difficult this offseason, but that does not mean the conversation is over. If the Raiders commit to a patient rebuild, Crosby could become a trade candidate during the season or even after the 2026 campaign.

His contract is team-friendly, which keeps the option very real. For the sake of this scenario, assume Las Vegas lands a first-round and a third-round pick in the 2027 draft.

Part III: What’s the payoff?

With two first-round selections, the Raiders would have a rare opportunity to accelerate the rebuild. If Mendoza is already in place, they would not have to fight for position in a quarterback-heavy class. That matters, because when teams reach for passers, premium talent at other positions can slide further than expected.

The Raiders have seen that movie before. Brock Bowers falling to No. 13 in 2024 gave Las Vegas a chance to capitalize when value met need. A similar dynamic—paired with the flexibility of two first-rounders—could produce two impact players and fast-track the roster.

If that happens, Years 2 and 3 of the Kubiak era could come with real momentum, not just optimism. It is one plausible path for the Silver and Black faithful to find hope in the months and years ahead.