Expectations Revealed with New Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders

After a disappointing 7-9 season that left them last in the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders have entered the offseason with a flurry of strategic new signings—moves that don’t just fill roster gaps, but also reveal clear expectations for the team’s future. Expectations Revealed with New Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down how these acquisitions signal a shift toward competitiveness, a focus on shoring up longstanding weaknesses, and a commitment to supporting star players like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby. For a franchise at a critical crossroads, these signings aren’t just about adding talent—they’re about sending a message that the Raiders are done with rebuild limbo and ready to chase AFC West relevance.

Expectations Revealed with New Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the team’s biggest splash: the four-year, $80 million contract signed with veteran offensive tackle Trent Brown, who returns to Las Vegas after a one-year stint with the New England Patriots. Brown, a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman who previously played for the Raiders from 2019 to 2022, is tasked with fixing an offensive line that allowed 48 sacks last season (26th in the NFL) and protecting quarterback Aidan O’Connell. The signing reveals a key expectation: the Raiders believe O’Connell can develop into a franchise quarterback—if he’s given time to throw. “Bringing Trent back was a top priority because he’s one of the best tackles in the league,” said Raiders general manager Tom Telesco. “We need to protect our quarterback, and Trent gives us a dominant presence on the edge. This move shows we’re invested in giving Aidan the tools he needs to succeed.” Brown’s return also signals a shift away from relying on unproven young linemen, as the Raiders prioritize immediate stability to complement their offensive playmakers.

Expectations Revealed with New Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights another critical addition: the three-year, $42 million deal with free-agent safety Justin Simmons, formerly of the Denver Broncos. Simmons, a three-time Pro Bowler known for his ball-hawking skills (19 interceptions in the last five seasons), addresses a secondary that ranked 29th in passing yards allowed in 2024. His signing reveals two key expectations: first, that the Raiders’ defense needs a veteran leader to anchor the backend and reduce reliance on rookie cornerbacks; second, that the team is targeting immediate improvement against AFC West passing attacks, which include stars like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. “Justin is the kind of player who can change a defense,” said Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He’s smart, he’s consistent, and he makes plays when it matters most. Adding him shows we expect our secondary to go from a weakness to a strength next season.” Simmons’ familiarity with the AFC West—having played for the Broncos since 2016—also means he’ll bring valuable insight into divisional opponents, a bonus for a team that went 1-5 against the West last year.

Expectations Revealed with New Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the one-year, $6 million contract with running back Damien Harris, a move that signals expectations around the running game and depth. Harris, a former Patriots starter with four 700+ yard seasons, will complement returning running back Josh Jacobs (who is expected to re-sign after a 950-yard campaign) and provide insurance against injuries—an issue that plagued the Raiders’ backfield in 2024. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this signing reveals a commitment to a balanced offense, as they look to reduce O’Connell’s workload by leaning on a two-back system. “Damien is a tough, reliable runner who can handle a full workload if needed,” said Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. “We expect our running game to be a focal point next season—something that takes pressure off Aidan and opens up opportunities for Davante and our other receivers. Having both Damien and Josh gives us the depth we need to compete in a physical division like the AFC West.” The move also suggests the Raiders expect to control the clock more in 2025, a key factor in closing out close games—something they struggled with last season.

Expectations Revealed with New Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders explores the two-year, $15 million deal with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, a pass-rushing specialist with 81.5 career sacks. Ngakoue, who played for the Chicago Bears last season (10 sacks), will line up opposite Maxx Crosby, forming one of the most feared edge-rushing duos in the NFL. This signing reveals a clear expectation: that the Raiders’ defense will prioritize pressure on opposing quarterbacks, a strength that can mask lingering weaknesses in the secondary. For the Las Vegas Raiders, pairing Ngakoue with Crosby isn’t just about adding sacks—it’s about creating a defensive identity that can compete with the AFC West’s high-powered offenses. “Yannick and Maxx together are going to be a nightmare for offensive lines,” said head coach Antonio Pierce. “We expect our pass rush to be the backbone of our defense next season—something that forces turnovers and gives our offense short fields. This move shows we’re not just trying to be competitive; we’re trying to be a team that other teams fear.” Ngakoue’s proven track record (he’s never had fewer than 8 sacks in a full season) also means the Raiders expect immediate production, not a “project” player who needs time to develop.

Expectations Revealed with New Signings for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the broader expectations these signings convey—both to the team’s fanbase and to the rest of the NFL. By investing over $140 million in proven veterans (Brown, Simmons, Harris, Ngakoue), the Raiders are sending a message that they’re no longer in “rebuild mode”—they’re in “win-now mode,” with the goal of climbing out of the AFC West basement and competing for a playoff spot in 2025. For Raiders Nation, which has grown frustrated with three straight losing seasons, these signings offer a reason to believe again—especially after season-ticket renewal rates dropped 12% last year. “Our fans deserve a team that competes every week, and these signings are a step toward giving them that,” said Telesco. “We expect to be better, and we expect our fans to be right there with us, filling Allegiant Stadium and making it one of the toughest places to play in the NFL.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the expectations revealed by these new signings are clear: no more excuses, no more incremental progress—next season is about proving they belong among the AFC West’s elite. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on whether these signings translate to wins—but for now, they’ve already shifted the narrative around a franchise that was stuck in neutral.