Top five most valuable people for Las Vegas Raiders in 2024

The Las Vegas Raiders missed the playoffs in 2023, and it's unclear if they will rebound this season.

As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Raiders' over/under win total at 6.5 games and gives them the second-worst odds (+900) to win the AFC West.   

Here are the franchise's most valuable people in 2024:

5. Head coach Antonio Pierce 

The Raiders removed Pierce's interim tag after he earned the trust of the locker room and posted a 5-4 record last season.

The rookie HC hired former Bengals HC Marvin Lewis to help mentor him. Lewis won Coach of the Year in 2009 and went 131-122 in 16 seasons in Cincinnati. He also spent one season as Washington's defensive coordinator, where he coached Pierce.

"I think really just the opportunity to assist AP," Lewis said when asked why he accepted the role, via NFL.com's Grant Gordon. "I just have been really impressed with him. Back to 2002 with the now-Commanders, I guess. So it's just this opportunity."

Hiring Pierce carried some risk, considering his inexperience. However, if he builds off last season's momentum and heeds Lewis' advice, Pierce could help Vegas reestablish a winning culture. 

4. Quarterbacks Gardner Minshew II/Aidan O'Connell 

O'Connell and Minshew are competing for the starting job. Pierce said he hopes to name a starter after the Raiders' second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday.

Minshew — who signed a two-year, $25M deal this offseason — flashed more big-play ability in the Raiders' preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings. He went 6-of-12 for 117 yards and one touchdown. O'Connell, meanwhile, went 7-of-9 for 76 yards.  

During a recent appearance on KRLV-AM in Las Vegas, The Athletic's Ted Nguyen suggested O'Connell still has a slight edge, pointing out how he's a better fit for the Raiders offense.

Regardless of who starts, the Raiders need a signal-caller who will jump-start their hapless passing attack. Last season, Vegas ranked 23rd in the league in passing yards (198.8) and points scored (19.5).

3. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins

The Raiders signed Wilkins to a four-year, $110M deal this offseason. While the signing was pricey, it should pay dividends for the Raiders. 

"Christian Wilkins was expensive, but at least they didn't have to trade for him the way the Giants had to trade for Brian Burns," wrote The Athletic's Mike Sando. "Wilkins is an outstanding player whose skill set should fit well in Vegas partly because the Raiders defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, was with Wilkins in Miami." 

Wilkins is coming off a career year. In 17 games with the Miami Dolphins last season, the 28-year-old logged career highs in pressures (58), hurries (16) and hits (32), per Pro Football Focus. If Wilkins keeps excelling in 2024, bank on the Raiders having one of the most formidable D-lines in the NFL.

2. Edge-rusher Maxx Crosby

Could Crosby win Defensive Player of the Year for the first time this season? As of Thursday, FanDuel gives him the fifth-best odds (+1000) to win the award.

In 17 games last season, Crosby had a career-high 90 tackles and the sixth-most sacks (14.5) in the league. Wilkins should give Crosby the help he needs, preventing teams from double-teaming him. Thus, he could produce better numbers in 2024.

Three-time Pro Bowler Crosby isn't resting on his laurels, either.

"It's everything across the board," Crosby said when asked what he's working on at the start of training camp. "So for me, my whole motto this offseason was 'refine and elevate.' So, refining everything I do across the board from workouts, meal prep, pass-rush, run game, and find another way to elevate."   

1. Wide receiver Davante Adams  

It's fair to wonder whether Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler, wants to stay in Vegas. Since the Raiders acquired him in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in 2022, they have yet to make the playoffs, posting a 14-20 record. 

During a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" podcast, Adams admitted he wouldn't mind reuniting with New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, fueling trade rumors. His agents then told ESPN's Adam Schefter he's not seeking a trade. 

Adams could change his mind, though the 31-year-old is still one of the best wideouts in the NFL and would attract suitors if he became available. Last season, he had 103 receptions for 1,144 yards and eight TD catches. Losing Adams would hamper the Raiders, so they must keep him happy.