Veteran Boost Revealed After Setbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders

After a frustrating midseason stretch that saw the Las Vegas Raiders drop from 5-2 to 7-6—plagued by injuries, inconsistent play, and fading playoff hopes—the team has found new life in a group of veteran additions. These experienced players, acquired via trade deadline deals or midseason free-agent signings, have not only filled critical roster gaps but also brought leadership, poise, and playoff-caliber intensity to a locker room in need of a spark. From stabilizing the offensive line to shoring up the secondary and reviving the running game, these veterans have turned setbacks into opportunities, repositioning the Raiders as legitimate wildcard contenders. Veteran Boost Revealed After Setbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders examines how each veteran has made an impact, their role in the team’s resurgence, and why their presence has become the catalyst for a late-season turnaround.

Veteran Boost Revealed After Setbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders first focuses on offensive tackle Braden Smith, acquired from the Indianapolis Colts at the trade deadline to replace the injured Kolton Miller. Smith, a 29-year-old Pro Bowler with eight seasons of NFL experience, stepped into the starting left tackle role immediately—and the difference was noticeable. In his first four starts with the Raiders, Smith allowed just 1 sack and 3 quarterback hits, a dramatic improvement over backup Jermaine Eluemunor’s 4 sacks in four games prior. His ability to neutralize elite edge rushers was on full display in a Week 14 win over the Denver Broncos, where he held Broncos defensive end Randy Gregory (8 sacks on the season) to zero quarterback pressures. Beyond his on-field performance, Smith has become a vocal leader in the offensive line room, hosting extra film sessions with young linemen like rookie guard Dylan Parham. “Braden brings a level of professionalism that’s contagious,” said offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “He doesn’t just block—he teaches. Our young guys are learning from one of the best, and it’s making our entire line better. That’s the kind of veteran boost you can’t put a price on.” Smith’s presence has also allowed the Raiders to run more effectively, with the team’s rushing average jumping from 92 yards per game to 118 yards per game since his arrival.

Veteran Boost Revealed After Setbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the impact of safety Harrison Smith, signed to a one-year deal after the Minnesota Vikings opted to rebuild. Smith, a 12-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler, joined a secondary that had been struggling since Tre’von Moehrig’s shoulder injury, and he quickly became its backbone. In five games with the Raiders, Smith has recorded 32 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups—including a game-sealing interception in the end zone against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays has transformed the Raiders’ defense, which has gone from allowing 262 passing yards per game to 215 yards per game since his addition. Smith’s leadership extends beyond stats: he meets with young defensive backs like Tyree Gillespie and Jakorian Bennett every morning to review film, and he’s instituted a “communication drill” in practice to improve the secondary’s cohesion. “Harrison sees things no one else sees,” said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He’ll call out a play before it happens, and the young guys start to pick up on that. He’s not just making plays—he’s making our entire defense smarter. That’s the value of a veteran who’s been to Pro Bowls and fought in playoff races.”

Veteran Boost Revealed After Setbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders also spotlights running back Rhamondre Stevenson, acquired from the New England Patriots to complement rookie Zamir White. Stevenson, a four-year veteran with a career average of 4.3 yards per carry, has brought much-needed versatility to the Raiders’ backfield—something White, a downhill runner, lacks. In four games with the Raiders, Stevenson has rushed for 245 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and caught 12 passes for 108 yards, becoming quarterback Kirk Cousins’ go-to option on third downs. His most impactful performance came in a Week 16 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, where he rushed for 87 yards and caught a 22-yard pass on third-and-10 to set up the game-winning field goal. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Stevenson’s addition has not only revived the running game but also taken pressure off Cousins, who no longer has to carry the entire offense. “Rhamondre gives us a different look,” said running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu. “He can run between the tackles, catch out of the backfield, and block—all things we needed to keep defenses guessing. Zamir is still a big part of our plan, but having Rhamondre next to him makes our backfield one of the most balanced in the league.” The Raiders’ offense has scored 28+ points in three of four games since Stevenson’s arrival, up from just two such games in the first 11 weeks.

Another layer of Veteran Boost Revealed After Setbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders is the intangible impact these veterans have had on team morale. After the midseason slide, frustration was mounting in the locker room—players were missing assignments, communication was lacking, and confidence was fading. The arrival of Smith, Harrison, and Stevenson changed that. Smith organized team dinners to build camaraderie, Harrison led pre-practice huddles to reinforce focus, and Stevenson brought a relentless work ethic that inspired younger players. Wide receiver Davante Adams, one of the Raiders’ longest-tenured players, noted the shift in energy: “When you bring in veterans who’ve been in big games, who know what it takes to win, it changes the whole vibe. These guys don’t panic when things get tough—they lead. You see the young guys following their example, and suddenly we’re playing like a team again.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this morale boost has been just as important as the on-field production. In close games (decided by 8 points or less), the Raiders have gone from 2-3 before the veteran additions to 3-0 after—including two wins over divisional rivals. “Confidence is everything in this league,” said head coach Josh McDaniels. “These veterans have given our team belief that we can win any game, no matter the situation. That’s the difference between a good team and a playoff team.”

Veteran Boost Revealed After Setbacks for the Las Vegas Raiders closes with the broader implications of this veteran-led turnaround for the Raiders’ playoff hopes and future roster strategy. With the team now sitting at 10-6 and locked into a wildcard spot, the veterans have proven that targeted midseason additions can turn a struggling team into a contender. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this success reinforces the value of balancing young talent with experienced leaders—a lesson that will shape their offseason planning. General manager Dave Ziegler has already hinted that the team will prioritize re-signing key veterans like Smith and Stevenson, while also looking to add more proven players in free agency. “This season has shown us that veterans aren’t just stopgaps—they’re building blocks,” Ziegler said. “They help our young players grow, they stabilize the locker room, and they win games. That’s a formula we’re going to stick with.” As the Raiders prepare for their first playoff appearance since 2021, all eyes will be on their veteran core to lead the way. If their late-season performance is any indication, these players have the experience, talent, and leadership to make a deep playoff run—proving that sometimes, the best way to overcome setbacks is to lean on those who’ve been there before.