The Raiders haven’t hoisted the Lombardi Trophy since 1984 and last saw the Super Bowl stage in 2003. Now, they’re aiming to climb back into the NFL’s elite, and one of the biggest drivers behind that push is none other than Tom Brady. As a minority owner, Brady isn’t just sitting pretty; he’s deeply involved. At the Hall of Excellence opening in Las Vegas in June, he laid it out clearly: “Our goal is to, you know, win a lot of football games. You’ve got to work hard at it, and it’s all earned.” Brady’s confidence in the Raiders’ leadership duo is obvious. He’s praised head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek for their roles in shaping the team’s future.

But Pete Carroll is stepping into a big role this year, and Brady acknowledged that openly: “Pete is new this year, he’s got a big role to play.” Alongside Carroll, Spytek also carries heavy responsibility. The front office foundation feels solid. Now the spotlight is on Carroll to deliver results on the field. With expectations high and questions mounting, the Raiders made a move that speaks volumes about where they stand right now.

You know what they say when they mention someone is a former 1st rounder – it’s either hype, hope, or a hint of desperation. For the Raiders, it might be a little of all three. On Aug 10, Las Vegas signed safety Terrell Edmunds, a former first-round pick and the 28th overall selection in 2018 out of Virginia Tech. The 28-year-old spent his first five seasons in Pittsburgh, finishing his $10.6 million rookie deal before returning in 2022 on a one-year, $2.5 million contract. Edmunds brings experience, size, and a resume built on 101 games (79 starts), 451 tackles, 6 interceptions, and solid postseason experience. 

The Raiders’ secondary took hits in the offseason, losing Tre’von Moehrig, Nate Hobbs, and Marcus Epps in free agency, and then suffered a major blow when key backup Lonnie Johnson Jr. broke his fibula in training camp. Pete Carroll, known for his optimistic injury outlooks, believes Johnson can return “sooner rather than later,” but the team needed immediate help. Edmunds offers that veteran depth and stability.

Adding Edmunds is a direct response to glaring defensive holes. With Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao also in the mix, Pete Carroll’s secondary is a patchwork waiting for cohesion, and Edmunds brings starting-caliber experience to help hold the unit together. The Raiders waived injured WR Seth Williams to clear roster space, emphasizing the defense as the priority. But the timing? Let’s just say it wasn’t random.

Pete Carroll’s Raiders face a reality check against the Seahawks

Just three days earlier (Aug. 5), the Raiders’ run defense got shredded in their preseason debut. And not by DK Metcalf or Kenneth Walker – by the Seahawks’ backups. Seattle’s backups ran roughshod over Las Vegas, racking up 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine first-quarter carries. George Holani, a running back nobody expected to lead the charge, ripped off seven carries for 61 yards, including a 24-yard run that blew the game open early. The Raiders had most of their starters on the field during this beating.

That performance was jarring. And the worst part? Las Vegas had most of its starters in for all of it. In 2024, the Raiders ranked 13th against the run, allowing 116.9 yards per game – respectable but hardly elite. Their 2025 debut, however, looked like a defense still trying to figure out its identity. Pete Carroll’s unit, which promised improvement and stability, was exposed brutally by backups, raising red flags about schemes, execution, and personnel.

The pressure is on now. The Raiders face a critical Week 2 preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on August 16. Can Pete Carroll’s revamped defense bounce back? Can Edmunds and other new signings plug the holes that Seattle’s backups gaped wide open? With Tom Brady’s eyes on the prize and his trust placed squarely on Carroll’s shoulders, the margin for error is razor-thin.