This Raiders' Unit Will Have Its Opportunities In 2025

Following minicamp, Raiders' Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon spoke about many things, including the new kickoff rules and the Raiders' adjustments to those rules. McMahon noted that kickoff returners now have many more opportunities to impact the game than they did previously.

"I think that the biggest thing is, for me, I look at it this way, the returner in this league now, especially if they're your kick returner and punt returner, they're the only player in the league that's guaranteed 130 touches before the season starts. It's never been like that. Never," McMahon said.

"In 2003, I think it was the last time it was in the high 60s percentile in terms of returns. So, if you're the kick returner, and let's say we only put one back there, and let’s say there's 100 kickoffs, you get 100 touches. So, that's 100 catches. You're the punt returner, and there are 80 punts; you're going to get 40 more.

"So, there are 140 balls there that only that player gets. You look at it the other way, and our value for our core players has skyrocketed, because now they're going to get 170 more meaningful plays a year minimum. You're going to get 10 more a game; five kickoff returns, five kickoff covers. Do the math, 10 times 17, 170."

The Raiders have done a solid job of adding to their offense, making the unit much deeper and more explosive than it was last season. Las Vegas' front office compensated for many losses on the defensive end with affordable, veteran experience at positions of need.

Still, as the Raiders continue to try to dig out of the hole they've dug over the past few seasons, they must also ensure they excel on special teams.

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