Pete Carroll is in his first offseason as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and the legendary coach will be looking to put his stamp on the team.
It was a disappointing season for the Raiders in 2024, and the team could use more talent at many positions. Quarterback Gardner Minshew was released and neither Aidan O’Connell nor Desmond Ridder appear to be the answer at the position, so it will be interesting to see if the Raiders can find a new signal-caller this offseason.
No matter who plays quarterback for the Raiders, more weapons are needed. Star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf recently requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, and Andrew Buller-Russ of Sportsnaut thinks the Raiders could be a fit.
Regarding Metcalf and the Raiders, Buller-Russ offered the following:
Yes, Metcalf reportedly wants to join a contender, but his familiarity with Pete Carroll could mean he views the Raiders as an ideal landing spot too. Yet, Metcalf may only want to land in Vegas if they can land a proven player like Sam Darnold first.
As Buller-Ross mentioned, Metcalf may prefer to go to a contender as opposed to a rebuilding team like the Raiders. However, Metcalf played under Carroll in Seattle for five seasons and could be interested in a reunion.
In 2024, Metcalf caught 66 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns. Metcalf has long been known as one of the game’s best possession receivers and an elite red zone threat.
Since entering the league in 2019, Metcalf has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark three times and has never finished with less than 900 yards. The receiver earned Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2023.
The Raiders desperately need a difference-maker at wide receiver like Metcalf. Brock Bowers excelled at tight end in 2024 as a rookie, and Jakobi Meyers is a solid veteran, but there’s no one else to write home about on the Raiders’ roster.
Carroll likely knows Metcalf better than any other head coach, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pursue the receiver. Metcalf will carry a cap hit of over $31 million in 2025 and is set to hit free agency in 2026.
Thanks to Metcalf’s down season (by his standards) in 2024, and his expiring contract, the Raiders likely wouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg to land the receiver.
However, several teams are expected to be in need of receiving help, so a battle could ensue among interested parties.
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