Published on: January 3, 2026, 02:31h. 

Updated on: January 3, 2026, 02:31h.

• Raiders aim for the bottom to secure the No. 1 draft pick
• RB Jeanty concluding season on a high note
• Speculation surrounding head coach Carroll’s future and Brady’s increasing role in team decisions

As the NFL regular season wraps up, what’s on the horizon for the 2-14 Las Vegas Raiders? Buzz surrounds the potential trade of Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby, alongside prevailing rumors about head coach Pete Carroll’s job security. Additionally, discussions are rife regarding minority owner Tom Brady, a Fox NFL analyst, potentially stepping into a more impactful role in the Raiders’ off-the-field strategies.

For Raiders enthusiasts and bettors, the immediate goal is clear: securing the top pick in the upcoming draft as they look to rebuild after a disappointing season. This reconstruction is set to start at the quarterback position. Forecasts indicate that Indiana Hoosiers’ QB Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy recipient, is the frontrunner to be selected first overall, with DraftKings giving him odds of -450. Dante Moore follows closely at +450.

Mendoza recently led his team to an impressive Rose Bowl victory, prompting questions regarding the future of QB Geno Smith, who currently tops the league in interceptions (17) and will miss the next game against the Chiefs due to an ankle injury.

Speculation on Crosby’s Trade

This morning, ESPN’s index gave the Raiders an 88.5% chance of clinching the No. 1 spot, with the New York Giants at 11.5%. If the Raiders manage to defeat the Chiefs while the Giants fall to the Cowboys, the New York team would then claim the pick. The odds for the Cowboys stand at -190 and the Giants at +160 on FanDuel, with the Chiefs valued at -255 and the Raiders at +210.

Such online chatter, however, often swirls without confirmation. Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson recently critiqued the media speculations regarding his desires to leave Baltimore, noting: “There’s always noise in the National Football League.” The current dialogue revolves around Crosby, the standout edge rusher, who may face knee surgery and was reportedly dissatisfied with the team’s decision to pull him from last weekend’s crucial match against the Giants—a game that some suggest they needed to lose to enhance their chances for the top draft pick. Rumors indicate he could be a candidate for trade.

Opening Path for Mendoza

In a recent statement regarding coaching, Carroll remarked:

“Coaching is my passion. I thrive on being present during gameplay and revel in the strategy of it all. The abundance of games and preparations captivates me. I’m continually intrigued by making the right call, whether it’s in strategy, personnel decisions, or analyzing film. That curiosity propels my love for this game.”

If the Raiders decide to part ways with Carroll and Brady indeed steps into a more influential position, they’ll at least have a solid foundation in running back Ashton Jeanty. The rookie from Boise State, drafted last year, was compared to Saquon Barkley, and although he hasn’t overshadowed others, he has accrued an impressive 1,227 combined rushing and receiving yards, along with 10 touchdowns this season.

Brady’s Increased Role

NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Tom Peliserro recently commented on Brady’s involvement:

“Tom Brady, the iconic quarterback, along with his business partner Egon Durban, has significantly shaped the Raiders’ direction since their minority ownership began last year. Brady shares a strong bond with former Michigan teammate and current GM John Spytek, who serves as a sounding board for Brady. While Spytek was Brady’s intended GM last year, he had his eye on Ben Johnson for head coach, who ultimately accepted the Bears position instead. Anticipate Brady—who has balanced his broadcasting role with Fox and other business interests—to enhance his involvement as crucial decisions loom.”