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Brock Bowers will not sign a contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders this year. He can’t. NFL rules say so.

For the Raiders to future-proof their franchise, they will have to wait until after the 2026 season. Until then, the price tag won’t look like it does today. And that can be a problem. or is it?

There are three tight ends sitting ahead of Brock Bowers in line for new deals. Those players are about to have new deals and when the riders are ready to extend or give their studs a new deal it could make a huge difference in a tight market.

Sam LaPorta in Detroit, Tucker Craft in Green Bay, and Kyle Pitts in Atlanta are set to reset a resurgent tight end market in the NFL. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month, based on conversations with league officials, that Laporta and Krafth are both in a position to increase their salaries to above $19 million per season. Pitts will hit the open market next offseason and could make an absolute splash if he reaches free agency.

That’s the part that should concern general manager Jon Spytek.

Brock Bowers in a league of his own?

The 23-year-old Bowers is still playing on a four-year, $18.1 million rookie contract signed through 2024. Spotrac lists his average annual value at approximately $4.5 million, which ranks him 32nd among NFL tight ends. He set rookie records with 112 catches and 1,194 receiving yards at age 21, and was named All-Pro and Pro Bowl in his first two seasons.

The current top of the tight end market is San Francisco’s George Kittle at $19.1 million per year, while Arizona’s Trey McBride is essentially flat at $19 million as well. Apart from those two, the situation deteriorates rapidly. It’s that difference that makes Laporta, Craft and Pitts set the standard for Bowers and Spytek.

Bowers may end up in a different conversation entirely.

NFL.com senior researcher Anthony Holzman-Escareno argued last year that Bowers’ next contract would be benchmarked against specific wide receivers, not tight ends. The top 10 wideouts in the league average $32 million per season. Ja’Marr Chase reset that market at $40.3 million per year last season in Cincinnati. Of course, Bowers won’t be getting Chase’s money, but the floor for his extension continues to grow.

Their use is proof that he is moving in that direction. After trading away Davante Adams in 2024 and Jakobi Meyers in 2025, the Raiders failed to add a proven veteran wide receiver in either of the following two offseasons. Bowers became the offense’s top option by default. New head coach Clint Kubiak, who spent last season leading the offense in Seattle, is expected to be relied upon even more.

Connected: Michael Meyer has never had a real QB with the Las Vegas Raiders, but that will change in 2026

Raiders continue to rely on Bowers as key to offense

Brock Bowers missed five games due to a PCL injury in the first week of the 2025 season and returned in Week 9 against Jacksonville, catching 12 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns, then played in 11 more games before going on injured reserve in late December. The final line: 64 receptions, 680 yards, seven scores. Pro Bowl number two was locked in and his value to the franchise was cemented.

There’s no doubt that GM Jon Spytek will spend to keep his guys. The second-year general manager signed defensive end Max Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension through 2025, the richest non-quarterback contract in franchise history. They gave Meyers wide receiver money last summer and traded him in return. The pattern is becoming clear: pay the homegrown stars, and don’t move the rest.

Cap space is not the issue here. Over the Cap projects the Raiders will make $207.5 million in 2028, 13th-most in the league. This covers the first year of any Bowers deal with plenty of room left.

The point is the order in which things happen.

Every tight end who signs before Bowers raises his ceiling and costs Spytek and the Raiders. In Detroit, Laporta will likely end up this summer. Could be in craft training camp. Pitts is expected to hit the open market next spring. Each of those numbers becomes the new comp and will set the standard for how much Bowers will cost the Raiders. By the time the spytech picks up the phone, the negotiations and costs will have escalated.

Bowers gets a base salary of $1.07 million and a roster bonus of $1.36 million in 2026, just under the cap hit of $4.95 million.

Las Vegas opens the season on September 13 against Miami at Allegiant Stadium.

Connected: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 schedule: Zero primetime games, toughest road stretch in years

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Rob Parker thinks Fernando Mendoza is going to be ruined.

The child has not taken a single picture. Not a single representative training camp has been conducted. Haven’t thrown a pass that matters since the national title game. And we have to file the judgment in May.

What is the proof of that? The NFL left the Raiders on the primetime slate. This is the whole logic. Apparently, the people who plug the games into the time slot in the league office have better information about Mendoza than Jon Spytek. These are the same brilliant minds who come to Jacksonville every Thursday night and tell us it’s time to watch.

Fox Sports’ Rob Parker’s “Hot Take” Is Simply Ignorant

I pulled the clip a second time because I wanted to make sure I held it correctly. I did it. Fox Sports Radio. Thursday. Mendoza’s busted, don’t bother looking, Brady ruined the franchise. All this cooked in May.

First let me explain the obvious part. The Raiders won three games last year. Three. Whenever the league gave him a primetime window in 2025, he was unwatchable. Why on earth would Park Avenue hand them another Sunday night from a rookie quarterback’s college tape? They won’t do that. He didn’t. Lincoln Kennedy said the same thing on the Raiders squad show and Kennedy played here, which means his read on this makes about a hundred times more sense to me than Parker’s. You earn primetime. This roaster hasn’t earned dishwater from Andy Reid’s plate.

He’s not on Mendoza. This is the situation he went into.

The piece that really gets under my skin is the valuation. Or what is missing.

41 Touchdowns. 3,535 yards. Heisman Trophy. Natty. In Indiana. I said Indiana. Spytech will not even take trade calls on picks. Not “took them and passed them.” Did not pick up the phone. I’ve covered enough drafts to tell you when a GM is doing due diligence and when he’s already made a decision. This is decided.

Criticism of Fernando Mendoza from “anonymous sources”

Now, the anonymous ACC coach who spoke told ESPN that Mendoza doesn’t have NFL traits. Sure, whatever. Ever since I was secretly drinking beer in college, anonymous coaches have been misunderstanding quarterbacks. They missed Brees. Brady missed. Mahomes missed by a country mile. The track record of sinking anonymous scouts on top picks is, to put it mercifully, poor. And now we’re supposed to believe one of these guys as scripture because this quote fits the premise that Parker was already cooking in the chamber? No. I am well.

Kirk Morrison has been in the league for a long time. Morrison said Mendoza is the hardest worker he has seen in his years in college. Morrison’s name is on it. The other boy was not with him. Pick one for the ride.

Parker’s Tom Brady performance as Raiders owner is also ridiculous

Then we get to Brady and this is actually where Parker offers his hand to me.

Brady ruined the Raiders. That’s his line. The attacker. Hugh Jackson. Dennis Allen. Del Rio. Give Gruden a run. McDaniels shot himself on the side of the road. Antonio Pierce. Pete Carroll for a year. The franchise that nuked itself every 20 months for 15 consecutive years. Brady reportedly ruined it.

Get out of here with him.

I will come equal to you. I’m not the guy who’s going to die defending Brady’s minority stake. The questions of how practical a part-owner should be are real, and the people I trust on this beat are asking them every week. We can do that column some other day. But the version of history where Brady torches a thriving operation? You have to forget that the last decade and a half of Raiders football even existed.

Brady was in Spytek’s room. In Kubiak’s room. In the room when the front office ultimately chose the quarterback they wanted, not the quarterback they got. He is not wasting anything. It’s someone who is finally aiming the gun in a direction that makes sense.

Raiders hot takes are just for clicks and attention

And here’s the thing about what Parker is doing. He is not analyzing the team. He is making a clip. He knows the word Raiders prints engagement. He pressed the button. The button worked. I’m at my desk on a Sunday at 9pm writing about him, so well, he won the day.

This does not mean that he is right.

Honestly a read on the 2026 Raiders is more boring than a viral clip. The spine is in reconstruction for the first time in forever. Spytech has done more in four months than in the four years of the last three regimes. Kubiak’s scheme needs to fit the bodies on the roster. A quarterback may be good, may be great, may spend a year on the bench and clipboard. I’m optimistic, but I’m not booking flights to Los Angeles. Cousins ​​are still cousins. The O-line is still a project. There is still a question mark on the receiver room. All of this is true at the same time.

But you don’t drop the word bust on the No. 1 pick in May because the TV schedule didn’t break out the way you wanted.

The kid hasn’t played a single snap.

Look at something. Then come find me.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Most would agree that the Las Vegas Raiders have done a good job of rebuilding immediately and building a much stronger supporting cast for Kirk Cousins ​​and Fernando Mendoza than they did with Geno Smith last year.

While the offensive line has improved, questions remain at the pass-catcher position. Have the Raiders provided their new-look QB room with enough weapons?

Sports IllustratedEva Geitheim doesn’t think so, but she has a possible solution in mind. He believes the Raiders should try to sign free agent receiver Deebo Samuel.

Samuel, a one-time All-Pro receiver, is still only 30 years old. While Samuel only recorded 727 receiving yards last season, that’s 31 more than any Raiders player in 2025.

He may not fit the profile of a No. 1 receiver, but there’s no doubt that Samuel could help provide a spark for the Raiders as a complement to Brock Bowers. The question is whether there is mutual interest in it.

Although Samuel has not been linked to another team, it is possible he would welcome the opportunity the Raiders could provide. The Raiders signed Jalen Naylor to a three-year, $35 million contract this offseason and expect him to be one of their premier pass-catchers. He will compete for targets with 2025 second-round pick Jack Beech, 2025 fourth-round pick Donte Thornton and Trey Tucker.

The Raiders may prefer to roll the dice on a young man they are developing into reliable playmakers. If that’s the case, they probably wouldn’t call up a veteran like Samuel. Still, if Las Vegas goes into camp and realizes their prospects aren’t quite ready for primetime, Samuel could be just what the Raiders need.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

In a game that had more ups and downs than a Vegas Cirque du Soleil show, the Vegas Golden Knights (3-2) defeated the Anaheim Ducks (2-3) in overtime to win Game 5 and take a 3-2 series lead. This game had everything, power play goals, big hits, an ejection, big saves, and a great performance from Pavel Dorofeyev, returning to the ice to score the OT winner, his second of the game, after leaving with a serious injury.

Both teams only lost a player in the nine-minute battle for the remainder of the game, but for very different reasons. Golden Knights defenseman Braden McNabb blocked Ryan Poehling well away from the puck and fouled him, fouling him from the game. After officials conducted a video review of the game, McNabb was assessed a five-minute penalty for interference and a game misconduct. Poehling, meanwhile, was clearly dazed and needed help leaving the ice. Anaheim, then went to work on a five-minute power play.

While the Golden Knights did an admirable job of eliminating the first three-plus minutes of the major, Anaheim ultimately capitalized on the extended man-advantage. Cutter Gauthier made a good play to stop the puck on the right wall by flipping his stick and keeping the toe of his stick perpendicular to the ice. He then collected the puck and flipped it over Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart. The shot hit Hart’s right pad and went into the crease. Unfortunately for Hart, Beckett Seneca (5), stood unopposed near the left post and pounced on the rebound, shoveling it through the five-hole of the Golden Knights netminder. The goal came at 12:36 of the first and was Seneca’s fourth consecutive game with a goal in the series.

A few minutes later, Mitch Marner drove in on a breakaway, but Anaheim netminder Lucas Dostal was able to poke-check the puck. However, on a breakaway, Marner was intercepted by Pavel Mintyukov and the Golden Knights went on what would be their only power play of the game. When Pavel Dorofeyev hit the ice, he was like a one-man demolition team, picking up Chris Kreider’s stick and stealing the puck, weaving out and down the crease, then firing a laser shot over Dostal’s blocker. It was Dorofeyev’s sixth goal of the postseason and second power-play goal in as many games.

With exactly 11 minutes left in the second, Dorofeyev would again be the center of attention, but for a different reason. As Anaheim defenseman Jackson LaCombe wound up taking a slap shot from the left point, Dorofeyev, who was no more than six feet away, stood right in front of the missile from LaCombe’s stick and took it off the inside of his right knee. He remained lying on the ice for several minutes, had to be helped off the ice and immediately went to the locker room. He would miss the rest of the second period, but returned for the third period, thanks to the Golden Knights.

While there was no scoring in the second period, it was not due to a lack of opportunities, especially for Anaheim. The Ducks outshot the Golden Knights 17–6 in the second period, including 10 consecutive shots, but Hart was sharp and missed all 17 attempts. Neither team got a power play in the second or third period, as the game tightened up and fights subsided after the whistle.

To start the third period, the Golden Knights came out with a shooter’s mentality and overcame a 26-17 shot deficit. This was evidenced by the Golden Knights taking three shots in the first 4:48 of the period, the third of which went in. It was good old-fashioned hard work that got the Golden Knights the go-ahead goal. Rasmus Andersson hit a puck on net from the right wall that bounced off Dostal and just outside the crease. Upon seeing the bounding puck, Tomas Hertl (2) dropped to his knees, pounced in desperation to bat at the rebound, and managed to beat Dostal at 4:48 of the third minute to give the Golden Knights a 2–1 lead. For Hertl, it was his second consecutive game with a goal after going 29 consecutive games without a point.

With time running out in regulation, the Ducks came out with their most effective innings of the game. The Ducks kept the Golden Knights in their own zone for long periods of time and were shooting the puck around. Finally, the Ducks completed a tic-tac-toe passing play that passed from Gauthier to Mason McTavish in the bottom of the right circle and to Olen Zellweger (1), who initially flubbed the McTavish pass, but after double clutching, hit a heavy shot off the crossbar and tied the game at two, allowing the score to remain tied at the end of regulation and making the game the 16th game of these playoffs beyond that. Will increase. regulation

Although there have been many games that have gone into overtime in these playoffs, this will not be one of them. Less than five minutes into the extra frame, and after two unsuccessful clearing attempts by Anaheim, the puck ended up on Jack Eichel’s stick in the bottom of the right circle. His centering pass attempt hit Dostal’s pads and deflected onto Dorofeyev’s stick in the bottom of the left circle. Dorofeyev (7) wasted no time trying to settle the bouncing puck, instead pouncing on it and sending it bar-and-down over Dostal’s right shoulder for the game-winner. The goal came at 4:10 of overtime and was his second goal of the night and seventh of the postseason.

The Golden Knights are hoping history repeats itself this season. The Golden Knights found themselves in a similar situation against the Utah Mammoth in the first round. Heading home for Game 5 with the series tied at 2-2. The Golden Knights won that game 5–4 in double overtime before ending the series with a 5–1 win at Utah in Game 6. Game 6 of this series takes place on Thursday in Anaheim and the Golden Knights will look to finish the second round like they did the first round.

notes

• Both the Golden Knights and Ducks were once again without their captains. Ducks captain Radko Gudas missed his eighth consecutive game with a lower body injury and Mark Stone also missed his second consecutive game with a lower body injury.
• When the best-of-seven series is tied 2–2, the winner of Game 5 wins it 79.6 percent of the time (242–62). If the home team wins Game 5, it advances 80.7 percent of the time (151–36).

figures

• Shots on goal gave Anaheim a 36–32 win.
• Vegas had the edge in the faceoff circle, 53.1% to 46.9%.
• Vegas was 1-1 on the power play, while Anaheim was 1-2.
• Vegas had a slight edge in hits, 29-26.
• Vegas stopped 18 shots, while Anaheim stopped eight.
• Vegas had four more giveaways than Anaheim, 17–13, while takeaways favored Anaheim, 8–5.

Raider Nation is angry again as an unnamed ACC coach told ESPN this week that Fernando Mendoza doesn’t have “NFL qualities.” His receivers made him look much better than that. The back-shoulder thing won’t work in the league. Those throws get picked up in the NFL.

Before you get all upset and take it to the “national media” and take aim at the Raiders again, step back and think a little differently. This time, the media is doing the Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, and their fan base a favor.

Mendoza Criticizes 2025 Nothing Like Shedure Sanders Takedown

Read the anonymous quote a few times. Now ask yourself if this sounds familiar.

Necessary. Almost a year ago, anonymous sources spent the better part of three weeks publicly dismantling Shedure Sanders. Both situations are being framed as parallel cases of pre-draft and post-draft doubt. They are not the same. They’re not even close.

Watching the coverage of Shedure Sanders last season, it was a completely different animal. That effort, fairly or unfairly, was a constant drain on Sanders’ draft stock. Tom Pelissero reported that a longtime NFL assistant coach gave Sanders the worst formal interview of his career, said he behaved appropriately, and said he took unnecessary sacks, among other things. An AFC executive said that Sanders wanted to command the room. An NFC scouting director warned of culture shock upon hitting the real locker room. One scout told Athlon Sports he mailed it every step of the process. A former NFL evaluator went on record with a 26-game film study and an unattainable grade.

Sanders then fell to take 144. Which retroactively validated every anonymous shot taken at him.

This is what a real eviction looks like. multiple sources. Multiple angles. The football, the character, the preparation, the medicals, the whole circus. The criticism was of the story.

Criticism of Fernando Mendoza is an outlier

During the draft process, some people were skeptical of Fernando Mendoza and his ability to translate what he did at Indiana in 2025 to the next level. Don Orlowski’s criticism and critique was perhaps the most publicized example of this type.

This time, ESPN reports, only one coach took aim at Mendoza. a coach. A coach who last saw Mendoza at Cal in 2024, before his signature year and his incredible run to the College Football National Championship. This coach saw him First 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025. They saw him before he became the runaway Heisman Trophy winner. Before he became that guy, four other coaches told the same ESPN reporter that he was either “one of the more complete quarterback prospects” they had seen or someone who “grows up” in those moments that you can’t teach.

Please read the coverage of the ACC coach’s quote and see how it is handled. Bleacher Report ran it ahead of the Big Ten coaches’ praise. Clutch Points called the criticism “a bit unfair”. Hoosier State of Mind kept the word “somehow” in the title. Just Blog Baby went with “completely ridiculous and not supported by its peers”. Comeback speculated that Kirk Cousins ​​might have “some credibility” before heading to the safety net.

No one is treating this as a Sanders moment. Outlets are running the quote so they can include it in the same article.

RELATED: Raiders rookie minicamp 2026: Fernando Mendoza already looks like a boy

Mendoza consensus is much more positive

That’s why the national media, coaches, former players and evaluators talk more positively than negatively about the Raiders’ new franchise quarterback. The wealth of evidence is there. If Fernando Mendoza had serious question marks like Sanders, you’d be hearing it everywhere, but he doesn’t. Mendoza was first in FBS in EPA per dropback last season, second in EPA per dropback on third and fourth downs. Ranked fourth in EPA when tied or trailing in the fourth quarter. He is just a clutch player and the visual evidence is overwhelming.

Mendoza played hurt against Ohio State, came back and won the Big Ten title. He scored the game-winning touchdown in the national championship game. ESPN’s draft scouting report, written by a former college quarterback, identified pocket movement as his real weakness. No back-shoulder throw.

This coward of an ACC coach, who last saw Mendoza at Cal, has some kind of ax to grind. This is clear. He is criticizing a player who no longer exists. 2025 Mendoza completed passes at a different clip, threw to a different level of receivers, ran a different offense, and was asked to do different things. Treating those two players as the same prospect is the analytical equivalent of evaluating a stock based on last year’s performance.

On the bus: #attacker First-round quarterback Fernando Mendoza is training and throwing to Ohio State superstar WR Jeremiah Smith.

They are both Miami natives and potentially top-2 #nfl Draft picks back-to-back.

Future teammates in Las Vegas.

👀 pic.twitter.com/KDQ1a0Am2t

– mlfootball (@mlfootball) 7 May 2026

That doesn’t mean Mendoza is bulletproof or has proven himself in the NFL yet. In fact, he said as much at last week’s rookie minicamp. He knows he has to earn respect and admiration in the NFL by being the best quarterback he can be. Given his conduct, intelligence and track record, how can you doubt him?

As I’ve said before in this area, the Raiders need to develop a young quarterback. It remains to be seen whether this season’s impressive offseason moves and draft performance mean the organization is finally on the right track. The Raiders have unfortunately underperformed with talented players in the past. Inheriting the league’s worst offense by 2025 has a rookie quarterback to do the job, no matter what the consensus board said in April. But framing matters here. An opponent’s old decision is not a referendum.

Sanders had institutional doubts. Mendoza is a man with a chip on his shoulder.

If anything, this ACC coach trying to start a fire proved just how little fuel is needed.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Hull City boss Ekun Ilicali has promised his players a trip to Las Vegas if they make the Premier League and has backed Ollie McBurnie to shine in Turkey if he ever gets there.

News report comments from Ilikali today. He is dreaming of seeing his team reach the top flight, and is promising big rewards if they do.

Hull City’s Premier League dreams

Hull face Millwall in the play-off semi-final first leg at home on Friday, before the second leg at The Den next week. Then they will face Middlesbrough or Southampton in the final.

The Tigers entered the play-offs on the final day of the season as three clubs had a chance to secure the final spot on the day.

All three sides, Hull, Wrexham and Derby County, occupied the place at one point in the afternoon, but it was Ilicali’s side who took victory thanks to victory over Norwich City. They had to fall behind by one goal to get all three points.

Now they can reach the Premier League. And Ilikali is planning a huge reward if his players manage it.

“If Hull City are promoted to the Premier League, I’m sending the whole team on a private plane to Las Vegas. That will be their reward,” he said live on TV8.

Oli McBurnie’s praise

There was also time for praise for Ollie McBurnie, the undoubted star of this current Hull City team. It was his two goals that ensured Norwich’s victory and a place in the play-offs.

The 29-year-old has 17 goals and eight assists in 37 games in the Championship this season. This left him tied for second place in the top scorer chart with Hadji Wright and six behind Zhan Vipotnik.

However, Hull stars have more assists combined and a better goals per 90 ratio. Ilikali is a big fan, and is confident that he will shine in the Turkish Super Lig.

He said, “If Ollie McBurnie was at Fenerbahçe, he would not have scored less than 25 goals.”

“Whoever comes in front of him he scores. His specialty is that if the ball comes to him he scores. Some of the goals he scores are not natural goals

Entering the NFL Draft, one of the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest needs was at wide receiver. They selected a pass catcher – but not until the sixth round. While their draft has been praised, with good reason, the Raiders could not fill every need.

For a team that desperately needs an option for the future of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, waiting until pick No. 195 says a lot about where general manager Jon Spytek stands on the current roster. Let’s take a look at where the room stands and who could emerge as the playmaker they’ll need in 2026

Depth without a star: Breaking down the current receiver roster

The Raiders used second- and fourth-round picks on Jack Beech and Donte Thornton Jr. last year. The two combined for 30 receptions and 359 yards as rookies – not exactly eye-popping. In fact, both will feel extra pressure as they enter training camp later this summer.

Additionally, Trey Tucker led the team with 57 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns in 2024 — a modest stat line that is a baseline, not a ceiling, under new offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak. Tucker’s speed is advantageous, but he hasn’t done anything to establish himself as a primary receiver during his career, even in the slot.

Free agency additions filled the depth chart without solving a key problem. Jalen Naylor, who spent time with Kirk Cousins ​​at Minnesota, averaged nearly 440 receiving yards with 10 combined touchdowns over the past two seasons as the fourth receiver behind Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Jordan Addison. Not exactly WR1 type ability.

Derek Young, a special teams standout in Seattle, and veteran Phillip Dorsett — a Super Bowl champion who spent last season on Atlanta’s practice squad and hasn’t appeared in a regular season game in two years — round out the group. Cedric Jackson and Brandon Rice have the lowest NFL track records.

The room is versatile and well-rounded. It’s not deep with proven pass catchers.

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders Draft Recap: Getting to know the picks including Fernando Mendoza

There is no clear No. 1 in sight for the Raiders

No one has locked down the No. 1 spot yet and this is really an opportunity. The question is who steps up and runs Kubiak’s offense through them.

The dominoes begin to fall at the training camp. Chemistry with Mendoza and Cousins, learning Kubiak’s system, creating roles — it all gets sorted out between now and September.

Bech and Tucker are the likeliest candidates to lead the group, but don’t expect them to look like they did in Chip Kelly’s attack a year ago. The scheme is different, the quarterback is different and the opportunity in front of them is bigger.

Kubiak’s offense thrives on versatility. Last season in Seattle, Smith-Njigba was the engine, lining up outside, in the slot and in the backfield and turning jet sweeps into chunk gains. He was everywhere, and defenses couldn’t stop him.

The Raiders don’t have Smith-Njigba. But Tucker plays a similar style: fast, playful and dangerous in space. This makes him the most natural fit for that role in Kubiak’s system.

Without a true No. 1 receiver on the roster, Kubiak is betting on his current group for production. The blueprint is clear: Re-create Smith-Njigba’s versatility and production, with the pieces already in the building.

Also read: Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 draft pick ‘May never play football again’

Malik Benson brings versatility, special teams value

Malik Benson arrives in Las Vegas with legitimate production. He led Oregon with 43 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns last season, lining up outside in the slot and turning touch passes into jet sweep gains — the exact type of versatility Kubiak is looking for.

Benson’s calling card is speed – he ran the 100-meter dash in 10.4 seconds in high school and it shows on tape. He cleanly tracks the deep ball at full speed, forces defenses to respect his vertical presence and creates separation without relying on 50/50 balls.

Oregon WR Malik Benson is the fastest player in the 2026 draft class.

With true game breaking speed, I see him being an excellent deep threat or even an All-Pro kick returner in the NFL.

Even with a 4.37 40-yard dash, he plays even faster than that, and he’s absolutely electric. pic.twitter.com/tPENgScTmz

– Cam (@42Cyc) 24 March 2026

At Oregon, his intermediate and deep route production took a significant jump, and his catch rate increased while drops nearly disappeared. He’s not a short field weapon or run blocker, but in a system that wants to push the ball downfield, he can bend coverages in ways that benefit every receiver around him.

Benson will have opportunities not only on offense, but on special teams as well. He was the Ducks’ punt returner last year. He had a breakout season as a punt returner, totaling nine returns for 161 yards, including an 85-yard punt return touchdown.

He is not coming in and taking charge. But after roster cuts, there will be four months of reps talking.

ALSO READ: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft recap: Best class in years, but the wide receiver room still needs an answer

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But they also selected nine other players and overall their draft class was extremely successful.

Of course, we won’t know the true results of the Raiders’ 2026 draft class for another year, if not longer. Still, it’s never too early to draw some early conclusions.

According to some accounts, the raiders decimated their draft class. He also got some draft steals, but those also come with question marks.

Specifically, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports suggested that there is a “chance” that fourth-round cornerback Jermod McCoy “will never play football again.”

Pauline wrote, “Cornerback Jermod McCoy was worth the upset in Round 4.” “There’s a possibility he’ll never play football again, and he could be sidelined until at least 2026, but if he returns healthy, it’ll be a bargain.”

McCoy entered draft day as a projected first-round pick. Nevertheless, reports from NFL doctors revealed that the Tennessee defensive back had a possible “degenerative knee condition”. This led some to wonder whether McCoy might slip to second.

Of course, McCoy’s draft freefall didn’t end until Day 3, when the Raiders made him the 101st overall pick. Still only 20 years old, it would be a major tragedy if McCoy never got a chance to showcase his talents on an NFL field, yet teams clearly had concerns about his knee.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft recap: Best class in years, but the wide receiver room still needs an answer

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The outcome of Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Perrow set the stage for a new rivalry on April 25, 2026, as Jarrell Miller used the moment after the fight to knock out Deontay Wilder. Fighting at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas in a WBA eliminator, Miller won by unanimous decision with scores of 117–111, 117–111 and 115–113.

The win moved him to 28-1-2 with 22 knockouts, while Lanier Pero fell to 13-1. The fight itself was tough and physical, but the big story came after the final bell, when Miller made it clear he wanted Wilder to fight next, which he described as a great fight between the top American heavyweights.

Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Perrow result sets up Deontay Wilder callout

The result of Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Pero came after 12 rounds of close-range action. Pero started well and used his reach to land clean shots in the early stages. He controlled the distance and prevented Miller from going inside repeatedly in the beginning.

Miller remained patient and continued to move forward. He entered the fight weighing 305 pounds but maintained a steady pace. As the rounds progressed, they began to close the gap more and more. The fight turned into a physical exchange, with both fighters trading blows at short range.

By the middle rounds Miller began to take control. His pressure increased and he started landing heavy combinations. Pero’s pace slowed and the pace changed. The outcome of Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Pero became clear as Miller’s output remained higher in the later rounds.

Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Pero outcome driven by pressure and work rate

Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Perrow The result reflected Miller’s ability to keep up the pressure for 12 rounds. He landed over 1,000 punches, bringing the total to over 1,650 punches in the fight.

Pero continued to respond, but as the fighting progressed, his activity decreased. Miller remained active and kept working inside. His combinations were more effective in the later rounds and he controlled the pace. Both fighters showed fatigue late, but Miller finished stronger.

The judges scored the fight in his favor, confirming the impact of his volume and forward speed. The result of Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Perrow ended Perrow’s undefeated streak and put Miller in a strong position in the heavyweight division.

Jarrell Miller calls out Deontay Wilder after Las Vegas win

After the Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Pero results, Miller immediately focused on a potential fight with Deontay Wilder. He made his intentions clear in an interview and pointed towards the demands of the fans.

Miller said, “I think if the fans push hard enough for it the fight will happen.” “Everyone doubts me. They say he’ll beat me or knock me out, but there’s only one way to find out. He’s been knocked out several times. I haven’t. So let’s do that.”

Miller also highlighted the appeal of the matchup and what both fighters bring. “We are two top American giants and we can both attract attention,” he said. “My trash talk and his dramatic speeches and entrances will make it entertaining.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn supported the idea of ​​the fight and pointed to its potential impact. He said both fighters have knockout power and contrasting styles, which could attract strong interest.

Miller, now 37, plans to stay active and return soon. The Jarrell Miller vs. Lanier Perrow result has now directly called out Wilder, setting up a potential next step in the division.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

The Las Vegas Raiders have big decisions to make over the next three days. Of course, the first pick won’t be a tough decision, but general manager Jon Spitek has nine other selections after the first round, and he needs immediate contributors.

Last year, the Raiders added 11 new players to their roster. However, other than running back Ashton Jeanty, the class of 2025 had a very disappointing season. The previous coaching staff preferred veterans like Alex Cappa and Tyler Lockett over Caleb Rogers and Jack Beech or Donte Thornton Jr.

If this year’s class gets as much playing time as last year’s group, the Raiders could see tremendous growth.

Las Vegas is only a few hours away, arriving on time. In the meantime, here’s a final 2026 mock draft for the Silver and Black. These selections are based on how the team can meet roster needs.

RELATED: Final 2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting Round 1 with trades

Round 1, Pick 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The only lock in this year’s draft. Once the Raiders clinched the No. 1 spot in the standings, everyone knew they would turn their attention to Fernando Mendoza, who put on a show in front of the Raiders brass during the College Football Playoff.

General manager John Spitek could make changes to the card as the clock starts ticking on Thursday night. Mendoza will be the ray of hope this franchise needs to get back on the right path.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: Jon Spytek’s 10 picks, 4 positions to pay attention to

Round 2, Pick 36: Jermaine Bernard, WR, Alabama

According to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden and Matt Miller, the Raiders will consider a second-round prospect who could help Mendoza at offensive tackle or wide receiver.

If that’s the case, the wideout is likely to have a more immediate impact by having a clear path to playing time on the field. Unless Las Vegas trades DJ Glaze, a rookie right tackle will have to compete with him for the job.

As rookies, Jack Beech and Donte Thornton Jr. played sparingly. Additionally, Spytek prepared him for former play-caller Chip Kelly’s offense. Offensive-minded head coach Clint Kubiak may want a different skill set or type of receiver for his system.

Jerami Bernard would be an ideal fit due to his ability to line up at all three receiver spots. Additionally, his experience in a motion-heavy offense should translate well to Kubiak’s scheme, which includes pre-snap movement to highlight mismatches.

Although Bernard does not have escape speed, he is difficult to bring down after the catch. More importantly, he rarely missed passes in college. Kubiak can finally rely on him as a reliable high-IQ playmaker to lead his receiver corps.

Round 3, Pick 67: AJ Holsey, S, LSU

AJ Holsey will provide the Raiders with the best of both worlds at safety. He can set the tone for the back end of the defense with bone-jarring tackles and forced turnovers in coverage.

Over the last two years at Houston and LSU, Halsey became a football magnet, recording eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups. He also played with controlled aggression and went the previous campaign without conceding a penalty.

Halsey is an all-around safety who can earn playing time immediately due to his ball skills. If necessary, he will line up on special teams while working his way up the depth chart.

Round 4, Pick 102: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Domonique Orange’s skill set and recent experience is exactly what the Raiders need on their defense.

Defensive tackles Jonah Laulou and Tonka Hemingway should play more snaps in the upcoming season after getting four sacks each. Las Vegas needs the nose tackles to combat double-teams and stop the run.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Orange played the second-most snaps (412) in the A-gap among FBS players. The 6-2, 325-pounder could start on opening day at nose tackle in defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s 3-4 defense.

Round 4, Pick 117: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

Although Glaze is the frontrunner to become the starting right tackle, he has had a disappointing sophomore season. He allowed 10 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

Yes, the Raiders’ previous coaching staff bears some of the blame for the poor offensive line play, however the new arrangement should not simply hand the starting job to Glaze. Spytek could add competition at right tackle.

Travis Burke has experience on both sides of the line, dating back to his time at Gardner-Webb. After playing left tackle for two years at Florida International, he joined the Memphis Tigers at right tackle in 2025.

If Burke is unable to beat out Glaze for the main spot at right tackle he could work his way into the swing tackle role.

Round 4, Pick 134: Ketron Allen, RB, Penn State

Las Vegas is expected to sign a veteran running back after the draft. Najee Harris is still available. However, for now, Spytek can fill the RB2 role with an experienced ball-carrier.

Ketron Allen played four collegiate seasons and led Penn State for three of those tenures. He has three-down ability if he is able to complete his blocking assignments. The 5-11, 216-pounder caught 70 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns with the Nittany Lions.

Kellon Black is a popular choice for the Raiders due to Mendoza’s Indiana ties, but Kubiak may prefer a bigger tailback similar to his previous RB2, Zach Charbonnet, who is listed at 6-1, 214 pounds. At 5-9, 208 pounds, Black is an undersized running back.

Round 5, Pick 175: Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State

Max Crosby should be healthy for the upcoming season, though Spytek can’t ignore the wear and tear on the star’s body due to surgeries over the years. The team shut him down, in part, for his well-being so he could begin the recovery process from surgery on his meniscus.

All told, the Raiders need to improve their pass-rush depth. Free-agent acquisition Kwity Payne has the potential to line up at different positions, but Malcolm Cousins ​​will play on another one-year, prove-it deal.

While Caden Curry doesn’t have the versatility or athletic profile of a starting-round prospect at the position, the 6’3″, 257-pound defensive end could be an up-and-coming player. In his only season as a starter at Ohio State, he recorded 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.

Round 6, Pick 185: Toriano Pride Jr., CB, Missouri

Due to size limitations, Toriano Pride Jr. will likely be a late pick on Day 3, but if not for his 5-10, 185-pound frame, he could be a popular sleeper pick.

Pride played two years at Clemson and a few years at Missouri, recording four pass breakups and two interceptions in each of his last two collegiate seasons. He uses 4.32 speed to make up for his lack of size in coverage and tackles well in space.

Pride isn’t going to line up against elite receivers at the pro level, but he could have a future at safety or behind Terron Johnson.

Round 6, Pick 208: Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC

Spytek discusses the mathematics of his security room, which only has three players.

#attacker GM Jon Spytek: “We now have 3 safeties on the roster. It’s just a math equation that we must add one, and it’s a very good safety class. Obviously, it’s something we have to attack, and I’m glad the class looks the way it does.”

On security situation.

– Justin Churchill (@ChurchillAtoZ) 14 April 2026

The Raiders need to double down at the position. They may take a chance on Bishop Fitzgerald, who can contribute on special teams and bring ball production on the back end of the defense.

Critics will question Fitzgerald’s athletic profile, but that didn’t stop him from recording 24 pass breakups and 10 interceptions over the past two years at North Carolina State and USC.

Round 7, Pick 219: David Guesta, NT, Kentucky

The Raiders end the draft with another 300-plus-pounder who can stop the run but is better as a pass-rusher than the Orange, who is projected to go in the middle rounds.

You need to look beyond the basic box score numbers to realize David Guesta’s playmaking ability beyond his run stopping ability.

According to Pro Football Focus, Gusta recorded 29 pressures with an 11 percent pass-rush win rate last season. He’s an intriguing late-round prospect who could carve out a three-down role in the defensive line rotation. In 2025, the Kentucky product played 258 snaps in the A-gap, according to PFF.

Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for the Silver and Black TODAY – Powered by Sportsknot. You can follow him on Twitter @momoton.

RELATED: 5 Las Vegas Raiders Whose April Minicamp Appearance Tells Us Everything

Maurice Moton is our senior NFL columnist and co-host of The Silver & Black Tonight on Southern California’s The Mighty… More about Mo Moton

The Las Vegas Raiders voluntary veteran minicamp runs April 21-23, two days before the start of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. No one should come forward. That’s the whole purpose of calling it voluntary.

That’s why it matters so much who does it.

Clint Kubiak is a first-year head coach who inherits a roster that went 3-14 last season. He needs to know who bought him before he takes a single regular season snap. Players also know this. Coming to a voluntary camp in April, right before draft weekend, when the entire football world is looking elsewhere, is a statement. So stay at home.

Here are five Raiders whose appearance in April will tell us more than anything they said in a press conference.

1. Max Crosby

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Crosby appeared for the first round of workouts on April 7, which was encouraging after everything that happened with the zero-Baltimore trade. But step one is meetings and raises. Minicamp is different. It’s on-field work and Crosby is still recovering from knee surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus.

His agent has said he is ahead of schedule. If Crosby is on the field, even in a limited capacity, on April 21-23, it sends a message to this locker room that goes far beyond his physical recovery. It tells every player on this roster that the guy with the most complaints about him is still the first one to come through the door. Kubiak can’t produce that kind of leadership. Either Crosby provides it, or he doesn’t.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders GM Jon Spytek, coach Clint Kubiak addressed Max Crosby trade fallout in NFL meetings

2. Tyree Wilson

This is the one I am watching most closely. Tyree Wilson is entering a contract year, after which the Raiders will almost certainly not pick up his fifth-year option. His draft stock coming out of Texas A&M was skyrocketing — No. 7 overall pick in 2023 — and it’s fair to say his first three NFL seasons haven’t matched that billing. He’s a rotational piece in a 3-4 defense that just added QT Pay and still keeps Crosby at the top of the depth chart.

Wilson showing up to a voluntary minicamp under a new defensive coordinator with his roster spot and his future on the line tells me he understands this moment. Staying at home will give me the opposite results. With Rob Leonard setting up a plan that requires buy-in at every level of the front seven, there’s no place to hide in this minicamp for anyone competing for snaps.

3. Cancer Cousins

Kirk Cousins ​​is getting $20 million fully guaranteed to be a bridge in front of Fernando Mendoza. He reunited with his former coordinator Kubiak, and has said all the right things publicly since signing. But before Mendoza gets into the building, what Cousins ​​does over the next few months will define how that quarterback room really plays out in 2026.

Showing up next week and throwing to receivers, working through Kubiak’s system, getting comfortable in a new offense and a new city — that’s the veteran leadership the Raiders are paying him for. Cousins ​​knows how to be professional. This is where he proves it matters in Las Vegas, just like it did everywhere else.

4. Brock Bowers

Brock Bowers returned from a PCL injury last season and still had 64 catches, 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. He is 22 years old and already one of the best players in football. This minicamp isn’t about Bowers proving anything — it’s about him and Cousins ​​starting to build that chemistry between him and Cousins ​​to really make Kubiak’s offense work before training camp in July.

Kubiak is an offensive coach who loves his tight ends. Bowers is the most important offensive weapon on this roster. They’re both building relationships early — in April, before most teams get anywhere near that kind of work — getting the kind of head start that pays off in September. Bowers is showing cases. Very.

5. Jackson Powers-Johnson

Here’s one that might surprise people. Jackson Powers-Johnson was a second-round pick in 2024 who began the season on injured reserve after breaking his fibula in training camp. He bounced back and played solid football in the second half of the year and now the addition of Tyler Linderbaum at center gives the Raiders arguably the best interior offensive line they have had in years.

But Linderbaum and Powers-Johnson never played together. Cousins ​​never played behind any of them. April minicamp is the first real opportunity for that unit to begin working as a group, even in a non-contact setting. Powers-Johnson being present and engaged, working through alignments, and getting comfortable with Linderbaum next to him makes sense for an offensive line that was historically bad in 2025 and needs to be dramatically better for this offense to work.

This draft will get everyone’s attention on April 23-25. But what happens in Henderson on April 21-23 will matter just as much for where this team goes. Voluntary does not mean unimportant. In Kubiak’s first year, it means quite the opposite.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft: 5 takeaways from Jon Spytek’s pre-draft press conference

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

Let’s make one thing clear before we proceed: Tom Brady matters to the Las Vegas Raiders.

His presence in the building is real, his involvement in football decisions is documented and his fingerprints are on everything this organization has done since becoming a minority owner in October 2024. Jon Spytek put it clearly: Brady is involved in everything football-wise and that includes the most important pick in franchise history coming up later this month.

But here’s the question no one in Raider Nation is asking out loud: When the dust settles on the Mendoza era, the Kubiak era and whatever comes after, who really owns this team?

Because that answer is being quietly written right now, and it has nothing to do with Tom Brady.

Brady’s role is real – but it has limits

I will give credit where appropriate. Brady is more than a celebrity endorsement for the Raiders. Kubiak said he has been calling Brady frequently since getting the job, relying on him as a resource with a different offensive background. Spytek has openly credited Brady in the quarterback evaluation process, which is pretty important when you’re about to spend the No. 1 overall pick on a franchise signal-caller. When Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee show and was asked how Brady has been involved in all these offseason moves, the answer was clear – Brady didn’t find out about the Kirk Cousins ​​signing from a tweet. He was involved in this.

But Brady himself was clear about where his role actually ends. He is a limited partner. Mark Davis is the boss. There is no job description that comes with a minority stake, and Brady has openly acknowledged this. He wants to win. He wants to bring a winning culture to Las Vegas. He wants to be a part of something that lasts. They are real things and I believe he means them all.

What he is not, and cannot be in any practical sense, is the long-term answer to the Raiders’ ownership question. That answer is already in danger, and his name is Egon Durban.

The Durban angle is the story no one can quite connect with

Last week at the NFL’s annual meeting in Phoenix, owners voted to approve the Raiders succession plan, formalizing what has been quietly building for more than a year. The NFL approved the sale of 3.5% of the team to Egon Durban at a valuation of $11.1 billion, with another 3.5% expected to follow – and the deal gives Durban the right of first refusal on Davis’ controlling stake if Davis decides to sell.

Mark Davis, who has no children, has said he has no intention of selling his majority stake. I believe what he says. But Davis is 70, and his mother, Carol, died last October. The NFL needs succession plans. And what was just approved doesn’t leave much to the imagination about how it will ultimately work.

Durban structured the deal with a right of first refusal that rules out every other bidder. If Davis or his successors ever sell, Durban gets the first call. A man. A phone call. An outcome is already written into the contract.

That is not a show. This is the biggest organizational story surrounding this franchise that isn’t Fernando Mendoza.

So where does Brady fit into all this?

Brady owns 5% of the team. Durban already held a 7.5% stake before this latest deal and that figure is now moving towards a position that could ultimately mean controlling ownership. The two men were photographed together during the College Football Playoff National Championship in January. After news of the succession plan broke, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer summed it up in four words: “Egon Durban is Brady’s guy.”

That framing is worth sitting with. If Durban ultimately owns this team, and Brady is his guy, then Brady’s long-term impact with the Raiders isn’t just as a football consultant, and it may be as the minority voice most associated with the next principal owner.

It’s a different kind of power than what’s discussed in offseason press conferences. It is quieter, slower moving and obviously more consequential.

What this means for the Raiders’ rebuild

In the short term, it doesn’t change anything that happens in Pittsburgh on April 23, or what Clint Kubiak is building from this week in Henderson. Football decisions are being made by Spytek, informed by Brady and approved by Davis. The question of succession is background noise right now.

But Raider Nation needs to understand what’s really being built here, because it goes beyond the roster. Mark Davis created something real by moving this franchise to Las Vegas – an $11.1 billion franchise valuation does not happen without vision and execution at the ownership level. The question of who inherits it and what they do with it is one of the most important long-term stories in the NFL right now.

Brady gets the spotlight. Durban has a choice.

In Las Vegas, that difference matters.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1…More about Scott Gulbransen

The Las Vegas Raiders officially began their 2026 offseason schedule on Tuesday. No pad. No live representative. No, Fernando Mendoza is not taking pictures in the silver and black just yet. Just meetings, strength and conditioning work, and rehab of players coming back from injury.

Sounds boring, right?

it.

What happens in those first days, especially how Clint Kubiak runs them, will tell us more about the direction of this franchise than any free agent signing or mock draft projection. Culture doesn’t start in training camp. It doesn’t start with a draft. It starts now, in a building in Henderson, Nevada, with a first-year head coach trying to establish something this organization has lacked for too long: a coherent identity.

Kubiak has a chance to set the tone for whatever is to come this week. How he uses it is what matters.

Meetings are where culture is made – or broken

Stage one is essentially a classroom stage. The players are in the building, they’re conditioning their bodies and they’re sitting in the meeting room. For Kubiak, it’s really an opportunity, not a limitation.

Every new coaching staff faces the same challenge in Year 1: Players are bringing habits, tendencies and, frankly, the baggage of whoever came before them (ahem, Pete Carroll!). The Raiders have had substantial coaching changes in recent years, with some of the veterans having seen this film before. They know how to nod in meetings and wait to see if the new guy is really different. Three coaches will do this to one player in three years.

Clint Kubiak really needs to be different.

This means that messages in those rooms may not be as normal this week. It can’t be “we’ll work hard and hold each other accountable” boilerplate. Raider Nation has heard it. The players in that building have heard it. What they haven’t heard, and what this organization hasn’t had for years, is a clear, specific, non-negotiable vision of how this team will operate. Just not aggressively. Just not in a planned manner. Culturally.

This is Kubiak’s chance to draw that line in the sand before even throwing a single ball.

Max Crosby sets the tone if Kubiak empowers him to do so

Here’s something that isn’t discussed enough: Max Crosby’s presence in that building this week is just as important as Kubiak said.

Crosby’s trade with Baltimore was voided. He is an attacker. And does Kubiak still fully understand it, Crosby is the most important cultural asset he has. Not because of his rush numbers, although they speak for themselves, but because of what Crosby represents to every player who walks through that door.

He decided to stay. He could force his way out. He didn’t.

This means a lot in a locker room environment where players want to see who really believes in what is being built in Vegas. If Kubiak is smart, he’s leaning on Crosby in those early meetings. Not in a fanciful, “let’s cheer on the star” way — but in a genuine acknowledgment that the approach of the veteran leadership and coaching staff has to work in the same direction, or none of it will work.

A coaching staff that sidelines its own culture bearers in Year 1 is a coaching staff that is already behind.

What Kubiak’s approach says about his leadership style

New head coaches fall into two camps as the early offseason begins. Some people treat phase one as a formality, like getting bodies into the building, checking compliance boxes and saving the actual setup for OTAs and training camp. Others consider it the basis.

Given what Jon Spytek and the Raiders have built this offseason, Clint Kubiak can’t afford to treat this as a formality. They are having a voluntary veteran minicamp April 20-22, three days before the draft begins in Pittsburgh. That minicamp, combined with the first two weeks of Phase One, gives Kubiak about three weeks to establish the relational equity he’ll need when real competition begins.

Three weeks is not long. But it is enough to show the players what kind of head coach you are. Does he know their names before he knows your snap counts, do you walk the same way in the practice facility, are the cameras running or not, are the standards you preach the standards you actually enforce.

Attention is paid to those things. They are discussed. They go from veteran to young players faster than any plan.

All eyes are on Kubiak and the tone he sets

Tuesday is the beginning of something. Is this the start of something real. Will this be a cultural change that will actually stick in Las Vegas or not? It depends on what Clint Kubiak actually decides to do these early, quiet, unnatural weeks.

The Raiders have plenty of big moments and bold announcements. What they’re missing is the foundation beneath all this.

The first phase is starting from Tuesday. Now the foundation is laid.

Scott Gulbranson is the editor-in-chief of our Silver & Black TODAY Las Vegas Raiders community, a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, and host of Silver & Black TODAY on 101.5 KDAWN in Las Vegas.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1 … More about Scott Gulbransen

For the first time since the failed Max Crosby trade, Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spitek and head coach Clint Kubiak publicly addressed the fallout — and both looked like men who came out the other side just fine.

At the NFL’s annual league meetings in Phoenix this week, the two spoke candidly about the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end and what the chaotic sequence of events at the start of free agency ultimately meant for the franchise.

Las Vegas Raiders GM gets an ‘elite’ member during free agency

Earlier this month, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 6 that a deal was underway to send Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The new league year was required to start on 11 March before the deal could be made official. But before that could happen, Baltimore backed out – citing concerns about Crosby’s surgically repaired knee – and the pass rusher returned to the silver and black.

The timing of that reversal didn’t disrupt the team’s offseason plans as much as it might seem, Spytek said.

“Just the timing of it, it didn’t really happen,” Spytek said. “We did what we did on Monday, and that was Tuesday when it all happened. We had a lot of cap space and a lot of cash was provided to us by Mark [Davis] And the ownership group has to be aggressive and build the team in the best way possible. I’ll echo what Clint said – the way it worked out, it was like we got another elite defensive end in free agency.

Those signings — notably center Tyler Linderbaum and edge rusher Qwity Paye — came during the legal tampering window, just before the Ravens pulled the plug.

Development of a General Manager

Crosby has seen a parade of general managers and head coaches come through the organization since being drafted in 2019. Spytek, who has worked to build trust with his star player from the beginning, said communication between them has never stopped.

“I have had many great conversations with Max since the beginning of his tenure here and we have had many great conversations throughout the season,” Spytek said. “We had a deal at the end of the season, which everyone knows about. We talked about it in the months leading up to the deal. Max and I have continued to have good conversations since. I know he and Clint have had good conversations, too. We just try to tell each other the truth and not have a lot of secrets or unknowns. Max, Clint and I will continue to work that way.”

Spytek also talked about the importance of making those difficult roster decisions – ones that impact players beyond the football field.

“Those are all challenging conversations,” Spytek said. “I try to sit down with that person in that moment and explain the reasons why we’re doing it, and try to be as honest and candid as I can. For me, those are all deeply personal conversations because you know how deeply it affects that person. I don’t just see them as a player. This is changing their lives.”

Also Read: Mark Davis Isn’t Selling the Raiders So Stop Acting Like He Is

Kubiak: “Our team is better now”

Kubiak came to Las Vegas after helping Seattle win the Super Bowl last month, giving him a compressed timeline to assemble his coaching staff — all while watching this trade saga play out in real time.

He didn’t hide how he felt when Spytech told him the deal was off.

“Anytime there’s a trade, you always know there’s a downside to it,” Kubiak said. “Once it happened, I was really excited. When Spy came and talked to me about it, we sat down and my first thing was to smile. ‘Oh, we have Max back. Are you kidding me? It’s great.’ “Our team has gotten better.”

With the signing of Paye, Malcolm Koonce retained, and Tyree Wilson still on the team, Las Vegas enters 2026 with legitimate depth along the defensive line. Crosby’s return only solidifies what was already shaping up to be a priority area.

One remaining question is whether Crosby will be in the reckoning immediately when the regular season opens. He had meniscus surgery in January and is not expected to make a full recovery until this summer.

“These are things we have to work on,” Kubiak said. “We have to get him healthy enough to practice. I know he’s going to put himself in great condition to do that, and we’ll probably have conversations about that as we move forward. Just taking small steps right now.”

The coach did not seem worried about the deadline. He’s seen how Crosby works.

“Max is our guy. He’s the leader on defense.”

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders: 5 second round pick options for GM John Spytek

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

Overall, the Las Vegas Raiders are preparing to make Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s even reportedly already learning the offense from Brian Griese, who has overlap with first-year Raiders head coach Clint Kubiak on the 49ers in 2023.

Still, Mendoza is not expected to be the Raiders’ Week 1 starter. Las Vegas would love to find a bridge QB who can hold down the starting job until they determine the Heisman winner is ready for the job, no matter how long that takes.

recently, athleticSaad Youssef gave an idea of ​​who that QB could be. He plans to sign free agent Kirk Cousins ​​for the Raiders.

The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback wants an opportunity to play in 2025 after being limited to just eight starts. That opportunity could come in Vegas, where he would be an ideal veteran mentor for a rookie QB.

Cousins ​​not only has 14 seasons of NFL experience, but he spent the first three seasons of his career largely as a backup, starting only nine games in that time. Mendoza’s career certainly won’t start off the same way, but that doesn’t mean he can’t learn a lot from Cousins ​​early on.

Ultimately, Cousins ​​and the Raiders could be a perfect fit. He gets a chance to play (even if there’s no guarantee he’ll play for long), and they make sure a talented veteran who isn’t afraid to work can help coach their young franchise QB.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Las Vegas Raiders were already dealing with a difficult offseason when they suffered another blow. On Friday morning, the Las Vegas Raiders shared heartbreaking news on Twitter, announcing the passing of Barrett Robbins – a player whose story went far beyond the field.

Born on August 26, 1973, in Houston, Texas, Robbins was selected in the second round by TCU in the 1995 NFL Draft out of Sharpstown High School. In eight seasons with the Raiders, he anchored the offensive line with consistency and patience, appearing in 121 games and starting 105. During his tenure, the Raiders led the league in scoring in 2000 and total offense in 2002.

Robbins wasn’t just a reliable presence in the trenches – he was one of the league’s elite at his position. By 2002, he was in the midst of a Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro campaign, and snapped the ball for one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.

Before Super Bowl XXXVII, Robbins went missing just one day before kickoff. When he resurfaced, he was confused, unable to recognize where he was or who he was with. What initially seemed incomprehensible was later understood in a more serious light.

Robbins was misdiagnosed with depression during his college years, when he was actually struggling with bipolar disorder. In the crucial week before the Super Bowl, he did not take his prescribed medication. He was ultimately suspended for the game by head coach Bill Callahan.

He returned briefly in 2003 to reclaim his starting role, but his NFL career ended abruptly after a suspension for performance-enhancing substances. He never played another match in the league.

In the years that followed, Robins’ struggles continued off the field. Battles with mental health and substance abuse led to multiple arrests, stints in jail, and spending time in rehabilitation facilities. His life after football became a difficult cycle, highlighting how little support systems once existed for players facing these challenges.

The passing of Barrett Robbins is undeniably tragic. But more than that, it serves as a sobering reminder: behind the helmets and highlight reels, there are real people fighting real battles. His story highlights the vital importance of mental health awareness in professional sports. Because taking care of the mind is as important as taking care of the body, on and off the field.

Bam Adebayo hails Las Vegas as “second home” As NBA expansion discussions heated up this week, the NBA is moving forward with plans to add franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle.

According to ESPN, the NBA Board of Governors has approved a vote to formally begin exploring expansion in the two markets, an important step toward potential league growth. Shortly after the news, Adebayo spoke with reporters about the possibility of playing in Las Vegas.

“If I get a chance to play in Vegas, I get to go to my second home a little bit, so that will be nice.”

Adebayo’s ties to Las Vegas extend beyond basketball. He has been in a relationship with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces for over a year, which has linked him to the city that has become a growing hub for professional sports.

When asked if Las Vegas could support an NBA team the same way fans support the Aces, Adebayo pointed to the unparalleled loyalty already established within the WNBA fanbase.

“I can see them supporting me like that. I don’t know about any other team. It’s a good thing because the Aces fans are really true to the Aces, so I don’t know how it’s going to happen. If they start winning like the Aces, maybe.”

Bam Adebayo on the opportunity to play in Las Vegas and whether Aces fans will support the NBA team 👀

“If I get a chance to play in Vegas and get a chance to visit my other home a little bit, that would be cool. I can see them supporting me like that. I don’t know about any other team. It’s a fine line… https://t.co/0ada2DmLdX pic.twitter.com/IheTXV2g0Q

– Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) 25 March 2026

Bam Adebayo’s arrival in Las Vegas leads to Heat’s climb up the East standings

Buoyed by the success of hosting the NBA Summer League and recent NBA Cup championship events, Las Vegas has emerged as a leading candidate for expansion along with Seattle. The city has also demonstrated strong support for other major franchises in the NFL, NHL and WNBA.

For now, Adebayo’s focus remains on the Miami Heat and their effort to build momentum heading into the season. Miami currently sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings at 38-34 after a five-game losing streak, including a 136-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.

The 28-year-old continues to power the Heat on both ends of the floor as the team tries to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Miami is 2.5 games behind the fifth-seeded Toronto Raptors (40-31).

Miami begins a two-game road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers (45-27) on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET and then face them on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET on NBA TV.

The NBA Board of Governors approved a vote Wednesday to explore the possibility of adding two new expansion franchises specifically in the Las Vegas and Seattle markets, the league announced.

As part of the standard process for exploring expansion, the NBA will evaluate all aspects of each potential market, including hearing proposals from potential ownership groups that want to start an expansion franchise.

As the vote was finalized with NBA governors and stakeholders in New York on Wednesday, Silver addressed the ongoing speculation about what the expansion means for the league as a whole. While Silver was clearly very optimistic about the expansion aspect in his press conference, he also made it clear that nothing is a given when it comes to this topic.

“There’s absolutely a possibility that we may not be able to expand. That’s why we were careful to say ‘explore the process.’ It’s also possible that we may expand into one market and not two. For two, or zero markets,” Silver said.

There is much more to a potential expansion than just the formation of a new franchise, and Silver acknowledged as much in his press conference in New York City on Wednesday afternoon.

In terms of why a level of skepticism still exists for the possibility of a Las Vegas and Seattle expansion, the NBA Commissioner explained that owners would still need to approve the final transaction, and real-world issues that arise could potentially push back the timing of the final expansion.

Silver said, “Why that might not happen, at least standing here today, I don’t see anything in the relatively short-term future of this league that would indicate that there wouldn’t be a lot of interest in those markets and the board would continue to be supportive going forward. I should say, at the right time, it would require three-quarters of the owners supporting it.” “But we will not be moving forward at this step, and in fairness to interested parties, that was one of the reasons we wanted to make this formal announcement, because wherever those prices land, it is a huge undertaking.

“Normally, it’s not just a single owner. It’s a group that requires financing, arena planning, etc. So, where the uncertainty for me lies in the issues outside the league. There is huge instability in the world at the moment, and we may ultimately conclude for reasons completely out of our control that it is not the right time to expand. That is something we should postpone and revisit at a later time.

“That’s really our warning.”

A potential final vote for expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle will be held later this year, which would officially take the league from 30 to 32 teams. In doing so, a team from the Western Conference would move into the Eastern Conference to balance the league at 16 teams on the opposite end.

It is expected that either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies will move east, with the Timberwolves seen as the likely favorite in this scenario.

As the formal expansion process officially begins, further updates on NBA expansion will be provided by Silver and the league office at a later date.

The NBA Board of Governors has approved a vote to explore the possibility of adding two new expansion franchises specifically in the Las Vegas and Seattle markets, as first reported by ESPN.

As a result of approving this vote, the bidding process to launch expansion franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle will officially begin, and is expected to generate offers in the $7 billion to $10 billion range for each new franchise.

The process will involve the NBA along with investment bank PJT Partners as a strategic advisor to evaluate potential markets, ownership groups, sector infrastructure and the macroeconomic implications of the expansion.

“Today’s vote reflects our board’s interest in exploring potential expansion in Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with long histories of supporting NBA basketball,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in the league’s press release. “We look forward to taking the next steps and engaging with interested parties.”

The idea of ​​NBA expansion is no longer a consideration, as the board has officially begun the process of a 32-team league, with high-ranking executives telling ESPN that it’s a matter of “when, not if.”

At this time, there is no timeline for potential expansion bids to be evaluated or accepted, but given the amount of interest there is in these markets for NBA expansion, the process is expected to move quickly.

There was growing momentum among NBA board members, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and members of the league office to approve this notion of expansion, especially with the revenue generated by new teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.

A potential final vote for expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle will be held later this year, which would officially take the league from 30 to 32 teams.

If Seattle makes a bid and is accepted, the NBA would welcome the return of the Seattle SuperSonics, who were disbanded when the franchise moved to Oklahoma and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If the SuperSonics were to return, all of their records and team history would be handed over to them by the Thunder, who do not already recognize the previous team’s success as their own.

Along with Seattle, Las Vegas has long been viewed as the next stomping ground for a new NBA franchise, especially considering how long the league has been doing business with the city.

Not only has the NBA Summer League been held in Las Vegas during the offseason since 2004, but the NBA Cup has also held its semifinal and final rounds in Las Vegas since beginning in 2023.

The WNBA moved its San Antonio franchise to Las Vegas in 2018, becoming the Las Vegas Aces, and the NHL established the Las Vegas Knights as an expansion team in 2016.

MLB also officially announced the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas in 2023, and they are building a new $2 billion stadium that is expected to be ready for the 2028 season.

With the NBA officially taking the next step to add two new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas, the conversation has now turned to which current Western Conference franchises will move to the Eastern Conference to balance the league at 16 teams per conference.

It is expected that either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Memphis Grizzlies will move east, with the Timberwolves seen as the likely favorite in this scenario.

Momentum continues around potential NBA expansion and Nevada lawmakers have made their stance clear in support of bringing a franchise to Las Vegas.

According to a report from FOX5 Vegas’ Rachel Zalucki, Nevada’s congressional delegation sent a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver urging the league to choose Las Vegas as an expansion destination. The letter, dated March 19, 2026, was signed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, as well as Representatives Dina Titus, Mark Amodei, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford.

“The March 19, 2026 letter was signed by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, as well as Representatives Dina Titus, Mark Amodei, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford. The lawmakers urged Silver to consider Las Vegas’ 20-year partnership with the NBA through hosting Summer League and NBA Cup championships.”

The letter reads in part, “As you consider the future of the NBA, we urge you to build on the league’s local momentum by selecting Las Vegas as a site for a future league franchise.”

Las Vegas has emerged along with Seattle as one of the leading candidates for expansion as the NBA prepares for next week’s Board of Governors meeting, where an initial vote on expansion is expected.

Las Vegas’ sports success and NBA ties strengthen the case for expansion

In their letter, the lawmakers also pointed to the city’s success with other professional sports franchises as evidence of its readiness for an NBA team. He highlighted the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, a three-time championship-winning franchise, and the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, which won the Stanley Cup in 2023.

Las Vegas has also maintained a long-standing relationship with the NBA, hosting the Summer League each year and serving as a site for recent NBA Cup championship events.

As expansion discussions continue, the league is considering both market feasibility and long-term growth opportunities. The unified effort by Nevada lawmakers underscores growing support for Las Vegas as the NBA evaluates its next step.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James is not part of any group bidding for an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas. The rumors arose when James’s Fenway Sports Group was initially reported to be considering a bid for a Las Vegas expansion team. The city, along with Seattle, has emerged as a leading candidate for one of two new NBA franchises.

Although FSG has rejected an extension that is reportedly set to cost up to $8 billion per team, James has publicly stated that he is not part of any group bidding for a Las Vegas team, according to a post on X by ESPN’s Tim McMahon.

“No, I’m not. Not at all,” James said.

LeBron, who has a net worth of more than $1.4 billion, will undoubtedly need a team of investors to take charge of an NBA franchise. However, with FSG reportedly backing out, it is now considered “less likely” that LeBron will pursue franchise ownership.

Regardless, as things stand, the NBA Board of Governors is continuing discussions, with a formal decision expected in 2026 and a potential launch timeline of the 2028-29 season. Las Vegas has emerged as a primary expansion market due to its established presence in major professional sports.

The city currently hosts teams in the NFL, NHL and WNBA, with an MLB franchise set to relocate there. The NBA has also had a consistent presence in Las Vegas through its Summer League, which has drawn more than 136,000 fans over 11 days.

Of course, LeBron James and FSG are no strangers to owning major sports teams. James’s association with the group has given him partial ownership in several franchises such as the Boston Red Sox (MLB), Liverpool FC (Premier League), RFK Racing (NASCAR), and the New England Sports Network (NESN).

The Lakers superstar and his partner Maverick Carter previously became partners in the group in 2021. However, James’ ambitions of owning an NBA franchise currently appear to be on hold, due to FSG reportedly refusing to meet the asking price.

With the NBA doing big business over the past few years, the idea of ​​expansion is a topic that has gained a lot of momentum. While many American cities would love to get an NBA franchise, Seattle and Las Vegas have long been favorites to win the sweepstakes.

Well, this week, the pair of cities took another big step closer to becoming a reality when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the league’s Board of Governors will soon vote on exploring the idea of ​​putting franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas starting in 2028.

It’s a sure bet that this Northwestern team will be a revival of the SuperSonics. However, the Las Vegas club will need an entirely new brand. With that in mind, we present some fun, funny, and logical ideas for what the new NBA team in Las Vegas should be called.

las vegas dry heat

Las Vegas is located near several Nevada deserts, including the Mojave. The dry climate is a major part of living in the city. So why not play with that regional specialty? It’s already summer in Miami due to the hot and humid temperatures in South Florida. Maybe Las Vegas needs to bring the NBA the Dry Heats.

las vegas blackjack

Las Vegas grew from the Nevada desert to become one of the biggest tourist attractions on Earth as a top destination for entertainment and gambling. It’s possible that a new NBA team could get a nickname related to their highly successful casino. Since blackjack is one of the most popular casino games on the planet, Las Vegas Blackjack is the favorite sports bookmaker to become the club’s ultimate nickname.

las vegas sinner

Many major cities around the world have funny nicknames. Las Vegas is one of the best when it comes to being called Sin City. The wild things that happen there are why locals have long used the phrase, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Why not play on that popular name and go with Las Vegas Sinners? A logo featuring a cute devil with a basketball could turn their merchandise into some of the most popular in sports.

las vegas bighorns

Sports fans are accustomed to naming animals after their favorite teams. Las Vegas could be no different. That’s why one local mammal that can end up on their Jerseys is the bighorn sheep. The bighorn is the official state animal and can be turned into a very scary looking team logo.

las vegas gambler

As mentioned earlier, the casino business is what has made Las Vegas one of the top cities in the United States. So let’s not shy away from this fact and consider the Gamblers as a possible name for the team. Oddly enough, they would not be the first major pro sports team with this name as one of the current franchises of the UFL is the Houston Gamblers.

las vegas sidewinders

Going back to the idea of ​​using animals as the name of the city’s new NBA team, another interesting option would be Sidewinder. This snake is famous for its “S-shaped” sideways movement across the dunes in the Mojave Desert. Just like a star player has to make his way through the opposing defense. Snakes are great for logos, and this new franchise will corner the market for them in the NBA.

las vegas strippers/strips

Even if you don’t live in the city, people across America know about the Las Vegas Strip. Why not play up that aspect of the city and call the team the Las Vegas Strips or the Strippers? It’s certainly different than anything seen in pro sports, and for fans dominated by mostly men, perhaps the name might bring up some positive thoughts about some time off after work.

las vegas jackpots

As mentioned earlier, there is a strong possibility that this new franchise will get a casino-related name. If the ultimate owners of the club do not like gamblers or blackjack, jackpots can be another option. Slot machines are one of the most popular casino games in the world, and who doesn’t love a jackpot?

las vegas 702s

In an era where people like to reflect where they are from by removing their city area code, another name would likely be 702. Sports fans are familiar with the 76ers and 49ers, so a number for the name is not unusual. Additionally, repeating the entire city, rather than some elements of it or the state, would be a refreshing way to approach the team name.

las vegas lebron/brony

It’s no secret that there’s a real possibility that LeBron James could own a new NBA franchise in Las Vegas. And he understands the immense value of his brand and unique name. He even passed it on to his son Bronny and got him drafted by the Lakers a year ago. Maybe he should take things a little further and put it on his team. The Las Vegas LeBron’s will be equal parts unique and hilarious.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The LA Clippers have been one of the best teams in the league since mid-December, but have faltered with a few losses of late as injuries have mounted. Kawhi Leonard is currently out with a sprained left ankle and now the franchise will be without its sixth player in Benedict Mathurin.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Clippers announced that Mathurin would miss Wednesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a right toe injury. Mathurin will not play in any of the three games during this Clippers road trip as he continues to receive treatment for an injured toe.

Mathurin played 34 minutes off the bench in Monday night’s loss against the San Antonio Spurs, and finished with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals on 5 of 12 shooting.

After the game, reporters in the locker room said that Mathurin was seen walking a little strangely.

In addition to Mathurin’s three-game absence, the Clippers have listed both Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against the Pelicans, the first game of a back-to-back set in New Orleans for the Clippers.

This stretch would culminate in a second five-seven of the month for the Clippers, who also played one game to start March.

After climbing from a 6-21 start to the regular season to 34-32, the Clippers have now lost two straight games and must find ways to remain in the ever-competitive Western Conference. As of Wednesday morning, the Clippers will be just one game ahead of the eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors and just 1.5 games ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Clippers currently lead their season series against the Warriors 2–1 with one game remaining, while they lead their season series against the Trail Blazers 2–0 with two more games remaining. In fact, the final two games of the season for the Clippers are against the Blazers on April 10 and against the Warriors on April 12.

Since arriving in a trade from the Indiana Pacers in early February, Benedict Mathurin has been a star in his role as the sixth man for the Clippers. In his 16 appearances with his new team so far, Mathurin has averaged 19.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Clippers, while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor.

After operating as a 30-team league for decades, the NBA is betting on adding two franchises by the 2028-2029 season, with Las Vegas and Seattle the clear leaders.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, a vote will be held next week on the possibility of expanding the league to 32 teams.

“The pace for stakeholders to approve the survey is based on what industry executives will bid in the range of $7 to $10 billion for each team,” Charania said.

“If the bids reach the required threshold the 32 teams will have a potential final vote at the end of the year to finalize the transaction. In both voting rounds, 23 of the 30 governors would have to vote in favor.”

There have been long-running discussions about starting a team in Las Vegas, with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James even rumored to be one of the owners, as it has rapidly emerged as one of the biggest sports cities in the country.

A return to Seattle, meanwhile, would restore the NBA to one of its hottest markets. The Seattle SuperSonics played in the league from 1967 to 2008 and won the title in 1979, before the franchise became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Of course, there are logistical issues to discuss, including accommodating conferences and schedules. Some, including Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, have argued that the NBA needs to reduce its games, and adding two more teams could do the opposite.

As the league continues to grow in popularity and globalization, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has often stressed the need to innovate and adopt reforms, emphasizing that expansion has always been a consideration.

The next few days will be important for the future of the NBA.

The Pennzoil 400 marked the fifth points race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, providing the third winner to this point. We also saw some of NASCAR’s best drivers perform very well at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, resulting in things getting a little closer to normal in the weekly rankings.

Let’s take a look at our latest NASCAR Power Rankings coming out of Las Vegas.

1. Tyler Reddick (First: 1)

Tyler Reddick dropped out of the top 10 for the first time this season, finishing 13th in the Pennzoil 400. However, he scored record points in both stages, before the No. 45 car suffered a slight decline after the final pit stop. Despite his worst season finish, Reddick still tied for the fourth-most laps led (112) among top-10 (four) and top-5 (three) teams in the Cup Series and the top average finishing position in the Cup Series (4.8). Reddick is currently ranked No. 1 in the NASCAR Power Rankings, but he’s now in a position where he could be overtaken by Darlington.

RELATED: NASCAR standings after Las Vegas

2. Christopher Bell (First: 4)

Making it three consecutive top four finishes for Christopher Bell. The No. 20 car did not have the same pace as teammate Denny Hamlin, but Las Vegas consistently scored over 50 points with Bell taking the stage win. Bell did not just lead the Cup Series in laps (225); He is the first driver to complete 200 laps this season and has tied Reddick for the longest streak of top-5 finishes (three) this year. The disastrous performance at Daytona (35th place, 3 points) seems like a distant memory and it won’t be even a month until Joe Gibbs Racing has two race winners in 2026.

Read more: Best NASCAR races 2026, ranking every NASCAR race this season

3. Denny Hamlin (1st: 6)

No one was beating Denny Hamlin in the Pennzoil 400. After finishing third in Stage 1, he dropped to the back of the field (31st) on the restart for speeding on pit road (50.03 mph). It didn’t take long for the No. 11 car to get back into the top 15 and finished Stage 2 in fifth place. At that point it was clear that no matter who had the fastest car on Sunday, Hamlin was headed to victory. After running at the front of the field at Daytona and Atlanta, but falling back due to car damage from wrecks caused by his teammates, Hamlin now has three consecutive top-10 finishes with an average finishing position of 5.33 and a total of 145 points during that span. Oh, he’s also now headed to Darlington where he’s a spring season winner.

Related: Pennzoil 400 Results

4. Bubba Wallace (First: 3)

We’re five races into this season and Bubba Wallace still has the second-most points in the Cup Series. Part of that is certainly due to the stages, as he became the first driver to score 50 stage points this year. That said, it’s also worth acknowledging that Wallace ranks sixth in laps led (86), he’s tied with Kyle Larson for the highest average spot in mid-race (7.60) and he leads the game in quality passes (690). That leaves you with a driver who has had the most top 10 finishes (four) on road courses with a season-worst finish of 11th.

RELATED: Denny Hamlin praises Bubba Wallace for elite improvement

5. Chase Elliott (First: 7)

The only driver who made Denny Hamlin sweat a little in the final stages was Chase Elliott. It says a lot about where this No. 11 car is, as Las Vegas Motor Speedway has not been particularly kind to the team in recent years. While Elliott did not perform particularly well in the stages on Sunday (3 points total), the adjustments made put him in position to challenge Hamlin at the end. Leading up to Darlington, Elliott has finished 11th or better four times with more than 33 points in each race. Phoenix (23rd) was clearly an example of a flawed game plan, but Elliott is back on track to win the regular season championship.

6. Kyle Larson (1st: 5)

Kyle Larson won his first NASCAR race in 2026, most recently in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. At a track where he has historically dominated, Larson finished second in both stages (18 points) and led the second-most laps (62 points), but he lost a bit of balance with the car in the final stages and he finished seventh. Larson’s average finishing position over the last three races is 5.333, but the No. 5 team is coming up just short of the finish line. It’s only a matter of time before that changes and his OARS win on Saturday showed he can still find victory lane even when he doesn’t have the best car.

7. Ryan Blaney (First: 2)

After the win in Phoenix, Team Penske was not having it at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It’s a testament to Blaney’s driving that he finished sixth on the same day Joey Logano finished 21st, and we saw that carryover on Sunday. Blaney scored two stage points (ninth in Stage 1), but fell to the middle of the pack and finished 16th in the Pennzoil 400. Through five races, Blaney finished outside the top 15 twice with one win and two top 10 finishes.

8. William Byron (before: 8)

William Byron had his best performance of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, scoring his first top-5 finish of the year and scoring 49 points in the process. While the No. 24 didn’t have the pace to catch Hamlin in the long sprint in the final stages, there were some great battles earlier in the race. Byron and Hendrick Motorsports are righting the ship after three consecutive races outside the top 10, and he’ll likely climb the NASCAR power rankings in short order.

9. Ty Gibbs (previously: unranked)

It certainly seems as if the commentary surrounding Ty Gibbs in the Spire Motorsports-Joe Gibbs Racing legal battle has lit a fire for the young driver. In the first two races of the season, Gibbs scored a total of 15 points with an average finishing position of 30.0. The No. 54 car is now coming off a three-race run with 123 points and an average finishing position of 4.333. Gibbs, 23, is certainly starting to look like the driver his grandfather always believed he could become. A first career Cup Series win remains elusive for Ty, but it’s impossible to ignore how well he has performed of late.

10. Chase Briscoe (Previously: Unranked)

Chase Briscoe managed to finish eighth in the Pennzoil 400, truly one of the most impressive performances of the weekend. Due to a poor start to the season, which affected the metrics for qualifying order, he was part of the first qualifying group and started 18th on Sunday. Things got worse for the No. 19 team, as Briscoe received a speeding penalty in Stage 1 and then a penalty for pitting outside the box in Stage 2, resulting in him spending most of the race a lap down. He was successful in making a comeback in the top-10. He still has two DNFs on his record this season, but Brisco’s driving when the car isn’t being seriously damaged is reminiscent of last season.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Sunday afternoon’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has come to a close, with some of the top stock car drivers putting on an exciting battle in the final stages. As everyone now prepares for Darlington, let’s look at today’s NASCAR results.

Let’s look at the Pennzoil 400 results from Las Vegas today. We’ll start with the final results from Sunday’s Cup Series race followed by today’s NASCAR stage results.

NASCAR Results Today: Pennzoil 400

Here are the Pennzoil 400 results today. We’ve noted stage points and Xfinity’s fastest lap point in parentheses.

Check out the updated NASCAR Cup Series standings today

NASCAR Stage Results Today: Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Here are the results for the NASCAR Cup Series round for Las Vegas.

View the status of the updated 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts line.

Who won the NASCAR race today?

Denny Hamlin won a NASCAR race today at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his first win of the season.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Las Vegas Raiders have already traded Max Crosby once. Some doubt they can do it again, especially not at the same price.

Still, even if the Raiders can’t recoup two first-round picks for a trade for the five-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher, that doesn’t mean the deal isn’t completely off the table.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, even if Crosby is committed to the Raiders, a trade is still possible, potentially closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Everyone feels like they’re in a good position, Fowler said, but since they’ve already taken care of the business, they’re open to that possibility, potentially, if the right offer comes along. “We’re looking at the timelines here; it’s going to be a little slower now, but you’ll get closer to the draft, maybe trade offers heat up, or maybe even closer to the season. But right now, he’s a Raider, and that’s expected to be the case at least for a while.”

Even after a failed physical, the Raiders should be able to get at least a first-round pick in exchange for Crosby. Still, finding the right fit is more difficult because most teams have already dedicated their money to other players and filled their needs with other pass-rushers. Still, that doesn’t mean another contender can’t emerge later.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers picked up one of the biggest wins of the 2025-26 NBA season with a thrilling overtime win over the Denver Nuggets. It looked like the Lakers were dying for possession in the final seconds of regulation, but Austin Reaves’ intentionally missed free throws were executed to perfection, and Luka Doncic ultimately won things for Los Angeles in the extra frame.

After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick attempted to expand his vocabulary to explain how the Lakers are coming together at the right time.

“Is ‘coalesces’ a word? Is it the right word? To come together?”. Redick asked, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I think it feels like we’re coming together pretty well right now. There’s still a long way to go, but definitely optimistic about how we’ve handled this run of games. … It’s big time.”

The Lakers are currently on a five-game winning streak, and have suffered losses to some tough competition, including both the Nuggets and New York Knicks last week. The questions about the Lakers’ defense are beginning to subside, as Los Angeles has played some better basketball on that end of the floor amid its winning streak.

Los Angeles currently sits in third place in the Western Conference, the same spot where they finished the regular season a year ago, and as the NBA Playoffs approach, the team certainly looks to be playing its best basketball at the right time.

It also helps that Los Angeles remains mostly healthy, as Reeves, Doncic and LeBron James are getting a chance to consistently share the floor for the first time all season.

Los Angeles will take the field for the first of two road games versus the Houston Rockets on Monday evening.

The fifth points race of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Parts Series season is in the books, concluding Saturday night at LiUNA at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As drivers leave the track and prepare for next week’s race at Darlington Raceway, it’s time to check out the status of O’Reilly Auto Parts after Las Vegas.

Let’s take a look at the NASCAR OARS standings straight after today’s race in Las Vegas.

RELATED: NASCAR starting lineups Las Vegas, Cup Series qualifying results and Pennzoil 400 grid

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Leads Right Now

Click here for complete race results from today’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Las Vegas.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The Los Angeles Lakers got a good win against the Chicago Bulls in their latest game, and it moved them up to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings. They have started to find some rhythm over the last few games, and now many are wondering if they can be a real threat to finish the season and make the playoffs.

Brian Windhorst has heard about JJ Redick and LeBron James meeting, seen the defense improve, and seen other players step up, and he believes there’s a chance the Lakers could be a team to keep an eye on.

“JJ Redick is selling these guys on working hard,” Windhorst said on First Take. “He’s making some changes to his scheme, he’s playing more zone, he’s coaching them very hard to make them better. I can see a path where they can make a run. I don’t know if they will.

“I’ve heard LeBron talk about reducing his role and changing the way he plays. I’ve heard about JJ meeting with him and having an open conversation. I’m watching Luka play, I’m watching Reeves play. There’s a way. It could happen.”

.@WindhorstESPN The word “dangerous” is being debated in relation to the Lakers as a potential 3-seed in the West ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Zu5W5W8IxA

– First Tech (@FirstTech) 13 March 2026

The Lakers have the potential to be a team that can make a move, but you also have to take into account the other teams around them.

Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves could give the Lakers trouble, and they are also fighting to reach the No. 3 seed.

The Lakers have matchups coming up against the Nuggets and Rockets, and that could be a good litmus test for where they stand against some of their competition. In the end, taking the Lakers to where they want to go may depend on the big three of Doncic, Reeves and James.

A former NFL general manager believes the Las Vegas Raiders cannot start Fernando Mendoza right away and believes they will need to sign a veteran quarterback to lead the offense as early as 2026. And he has a specific player in mind.

Although there are a lot of rumors about which players teams will take in Round 1 of next month’s NFL Draft, one thing is certain. The Raiders will use the No. 1 overall selection on Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, and he will be their starting QB immediately. Or maybe not.

There is always a risk in thrusting a rookie signal-caller into a starting role for an NFL team. Especially one that had the worst record in the league last year. That’s why ESPN NFL expert Mike Tannenbaum believes Mendoza should begin his career as a backup and Kirk Cousins ​​should be the Raiders’ starting QB in Week 1.

“I would sign Kirk Cousins. I think he’s the ideal bridge quarterback to Fernando Mendoza,” he said on Friday Morning Edition. sports center. “We know they’ve got Tyler Linderbaum, but their offensive line gave up more sacks than any team last year. Why not go out and bring in a veteran like Kirk Cousins ​​to stabilize the position?

“Bring Mendoza on slowly. Don’t play him from day one, because, remember, quarterbacks are often ruined before they even get going.”

Why should the Raiders sign Kirk Cousins?

While Raiders fans may not be thrilled with the idea of ​​Cousins ​​being their starting QB in Week 1, Tannenbaum’s point makes a lot of sense. Mendoza is a good QB prospect. However, he is not a generational talent, and many experts believe he will not be the first or even second QB selected in next year’s draft.

Las Vegas needs to be smart with his development and do everything possible to ensure he can succeed when handed the keys to the offense. While Linderbaum will certainly make the offensive line better next season, this is still a messy group that could be a big loss for the developing QB prospect.

Cousins ​​is a far cry from the Pro Bowl-level player he used to be and was a role model himself in Atlanta. But he’s still a good player at the position and has the experience to handle the shortcomings of playing behind an average offensive line. Mendoza still needs to learn those skills. He should not achieve them in a litmus test situation during his rookie season.

Plus, the Raiders have the money to sign Cousins, and he’s looking for a chance to start this season. If it’s better than expected, great. But if he disappoints, let Mendoza take his place and have a lot more information and preparation when that moment comes.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly played their best basketball of the season, winning three in a row and going 5-1 in March. It is noteworthy that the team has relied on strong defense to defeat the teams. According to a post from The Athletic, coach JJ Redick has been encouraged by the Lakers’ improved defense in wins over the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves.

“We’re not going to be the No. 1 defense in the league. But to be above average, to have two performances in a row against those two teams is really encouraging,” Redick told The Athletic.

The Lakers played strong defense in their 110-97 win over the Timberwolves. He held the Knicks to 42.7% from the field, including 23.5% from beyond the arc. Additionally, the Purple and Gold forced 18 turnovers. The Lakers defeated the Wolves 120-106, holding them to 46.3% from the floor, including 25% from triples. Additionally, they held Anthony Edwards to only 14 points on 2 of 15 shooting, including 1 of 10 from the three-point line.

The Lakers did so without LeBron James, who is dealing with a right hip injury and left foot arthritis. Despite wanting James in the lineup, Redick isn’t worried about him. As for the rest of the team, the Lakers coach highlighted that he wants better rim protection.

“Just the consistency of our low man, you know. We’re one of the worst teams at protecting the rim. It’s not on our big, it’s on everybody. So we had stretches where, I thought, if you look at our defensive plays, our low man is really active, our low man in the paint is producing results.”

Redick and the Lakers will hope to continue the momentum when they host the Chicago Bulls before welcoming the Denver Nuggets to the Crypto.

Although some interesting reports are suggesting otherwise, all signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders making Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, they already moved on before the start of last year by sending Geno Smith to the New York Jets.

With Aidan O’Connell the only quarterback left on the Raiders roster, Las Vegas has no choice but to add another arm to the roster this offseason. Chances are, he’ll be a veteran who can help Mendoza navigate the ups and downs of his first season.

A potential guru came forward on Wednesday. according to athleticAccording to NFL insider Diana Russini, Raiders fans should “expect” the team to “show interest” in signing the recently released Kirk Cousins ​​to help Mendoza.

While Cousins ​​certainly wants to play in 2026 rather than play a backup role, he would be an ideal fit for the Raiders. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback has mastered the art of preparing for his opponents, whether it’s adjusting his body or diving into individual matchups and film to break down coverages. Cousins ​​could be a huge asset for the young QB.

Additionally, if he is pressed into action, Cousins ​​could still help swing some games in the Raiders’ favor. The 37-year-old still led the Falcons to a 5-3 record last season, keeping them in the playoff race for as long as he could. If asked to do the same in Las Vegas, both parties need to be confident he is the right person for the job.

RELATED: NFL Insider updates Raiders Max Crosby trade price after failed physical

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

On Monday evening, the Los Angeles Clippers picked up one of their most impressive wins of the season with a comfortable home win over the New York Knicks. The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard, who scored an impressive 29 points with seven rebounds and eight assists.

The Clippers are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference, although it will be difficult for them to overtake them, as the Phoenix Suns are five games ahead of them in seventh.

Recently, former NBA wing Chandler Parsons appeared on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show and explained why he still sees Los Angeles as a playoff threat.

“The Clippers have so much talent, depth and experience that it’s a nightmare for what they get,” Parsons said, according to Run It Back on

“This team was built to win now this summer,” he said. “They were an old team, they’re an experienced team, and at the deadline, they lost a lot of talent that can probably help you win right now, but now they also have pieces for the future to look forward to.”

In fact, the Clippers surprised many at the recent trade deadline by sending James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and bringing back Darius Garland in return. Garland has started to find form in his new Clippers threads, scoring 23 points in a 126-118 win over the Knicks on Monday.

Through it all, Leonard is playing arguably the best basketball of his career, and continues to be a threat on both ends of the floor, and no team will want to match him up come playoff time.

In any case, the Clippers will next take the field on Wednesday evening for a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET.

NASCAR heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the fifth points race of the Cup Series season. The field of drivers for Sunday’s NASCAR race has been determined, marking the first time in 2026 that there will be no open cars running this weekend.

As of now, Hendrick Motorsports has listed Alex Bowman as a contender for the No. 48 car. He missed last weekend’s race due to dizziness, with Anthony Alfredo taking his place behind the wheel at Phoenix. If Bowman returns this weekend, he will find himself 36th in points and 77 points back of 16th in The Chase.

RELATED: NASCAR Power Rankings 2026, 10 best NASCAR drivers entering Las Vegas

Let’s dive straight into the NASCAR entry list for Las Vegas, presenting the field of Cup Series drivers for Sunday’s Pennzoil 400.

NASCAR Entry List Las Vegas: Pennzoil 400

RELATED: NASCAR Odds Las Vegas, 4 Picks for Pennzoil 400

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

NFL free agency has a tendency to shatter expectations. Talented players hit the open market, and teams with needs are eager to fill them, no matter the cost.

The Las Vegas Raiders are beginning a new era with a first-year head coach in Clint Kubiak. Soon, they are expected to make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, they are giving their offense a huge boost.

according to athleticDiana Russini, signing the Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum. The 25-year-old was a strong candidate to be re-signed by the Ravens, but the three-time Pro Bowler was highly coveted, with the Browns and Commanders also registering interest.

However, it was the Raiders who landed one of the NFL’s top free agents by signing Linderbaum to a record-setting contract for a center. He is being signed to a three-year, $81 million contract. The NFL’s second-highest paid center is now two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler Creed Humphrey, who is averaging $18 million per season.

Still, the Raiders are getting an excellent player in Linderbaum who may still have more room for development. Center is also an extremely important position in Coach Kubiak’s attack.

Center is an extremely important position in Clint Kubiak’s offense, and Tyler Linderbaum fits his scheme in almost every way. Depending on how the system works, having Linderbaum be (potentially) huge for Fernando Mendoza.

That’s a lot of money. But a logical overpayment. https://t.co/oJOcl5x2sp

– Albert Breyer (@albertbreyer) 9 March 2026

Linderbaum is not only effective, but he’s also durable, having missed just two games since becoming the 25th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now he will be a big part of the Raiders’ future, and help create a pocket for Mendoza for years to come.

RELATED: Why the Raiders were right to trade Max Crosby for two first-round picks

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a blockbuster trade with EDGE rusher Max Crosby. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Ravens are sending the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round pick to the Raiders for Crosby. It’s a surprising move that gives Baltimore an alpha on the defensive line who is capable of sacking the quarterback at a high level.

Below, we’ll break down the winners and losers of the Crosby trade between the Raiders and Ravens!

Winner: Baltimore Ravens, Max Crosby

The Ravens are undoubtedly the biggest winners of the Crosby trade with the Raiders. The 28-year-old pass rusher recorded 10 sacks and one interception despite missing two games during the 2025-26 NFL season. The Ravens were in desperate need of a pass rusher after trading Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline. Crosby is now the center of a Super Bowl-contending team’s defense.

Loser: Las Vegas Raiders defense

The Raiders’ defense is the biggest loser, as losing Crosby would be detrimental to the team. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Las Vegas defense, and it will be difficult to replicate his success on the football field. The Raiders have two first-round picks to help find a replacement, but it will be difficult to bounce back from this trade next season.

Winner: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter will be calling defensive plays for the team, and he’s feeling pretty good right now. Baltimore trading for Crosby would give the team an EDGE rusher who can sack the quarterback 10 or more times while moving forward. This allows Minter to be more creative in his defensive schemes and playcalling, increasing the efficiency of the Ravens’ defense.

Loser: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys battled Baltimore for Crosby but were unsuccessful. Dallas made a big move for the former Raider, but the trade fell through, presumably because it was unwilling to give up two first-round picks. While the Cowboys did not feel comfortable passing much forward, defensive players like Crosby are not often available.

Winner: Raiders Front Office

Losing Crosby would hurt the Raiders defense and the team as a whole; However, this is a huge return. The 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft gives Las Vegas the opportunity to either select an elite EDGE prospect or fill another need. The first-round pick in 2027 would also give the Raiders more ammo to surround their potential next quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Two first-round picks are a great return, and the Las Vegas front office did a good job.

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

Over the past few years, player agent Rich Paul has seen his influence grow. Many believe that his work at Klutch Sports has led him to become one of the most influential figures in the NBA, including handling Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

Rumors even surfaced that Paul and James are planning to purchase an expansion team in Las Vegas if approved by the NBA. Las Vegas has often been mentioned as a possible destination for the league’s 31st team due to its sports market and economic feasibility.

However, Paul flatly denied this on his podcast, “Game Over.”

Paul said, “I don’t know where any truth or merit comes from in that. But what I would say to understand the importance of buying a team is, one, I don’t have enough money to buy a team, I really don’t.”

“Today, at least last time I checked, I would have needed to pretty much zero in on what I saw. Still, no. But I would say when thinking about buying a team, and I think you mentioned Vegas, this is not a team I would want to buy.”

According to Forbes, 45-year-old Paul has a net worth of $120 million. When his co-host, Max Kellerman, asked why he did not envision forming a team in Sin City, Paul claimed “There’s no point in it.”

Paul said, “If you’re buying a team, it’s a huge asset. You want the opportunity for growth, and when I look at buying a team and most teams, people say they lose money.”

“If I owned a team, I would be one of those owners who wouldn’t mind paying taxes because paying taxes means you’re making a valiant effort to win every year.”

Currently, the average value of a franchise in the NBA is approximately $4 billion to $5 billion.

The NBA has held the Summer League in Las Vegas for the past several years and experts believe it is ripe for expansion. Las Vegas already has a team in the WNBA, NFL and NHL.

Even if Paul isn’t interested, there are certainly other wealthy people willing to take a bet on starting a team in Las Vegas.

NBA insider Mark J. Spears said Wednesday that he would choose LeBron James over Luka Doncic as the Los Angeles Lakers’ closer in late-game situations, citing James’ versatility and track record in tough times.

Speaking on NBA Today, Spears pointed to the final sequence of the Lakers’ 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, when Los Angeles had 6.7 seconds left and a chance to win. James inbounded the ball to Doncic, who then gave James an open look for a contested fadeway 3-pointer over Jonathan Isaac on the left wing.

“There aren’t a lot of players in the NBA who close out games better than LeBron James and in a one-to-two minute span, Luka made three shots, Austin made three shots. LeBron James is standing on the sideline and Desmond Benn is guarding him, he’s taller than Desmond Benn, fifty pounds heavier, and he’s there when they’re doing that one-on-one. And I think as great as Luka is, I want the ball. In LeBron James’ hands because he can take the ball to the basket, pass out to Luka, pass out to Austin, I don’t think he should have taken the ball out at the end of the game… and he’s too close and he didn’t get a chance to pass.

“I think as great as Luca [Doncic] I want the ball to be in LeBron James’ hands because he can take the ball to the basket, pass out to Luka, pass out to Austin [Reaves]…He’s too close and didn’t get a chance to close.

– Mark J. spearspic.twitter.com/WTkSYy3lio

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 25 February 2026

LeBron James, Luka Doncic’s stat lines fuel Lakers close debate

James finished with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 32 minutes. He shot 8 for 13 from the field and 3 for 4 from the free-throw line, while also knocking down two 3-pointers.

Doncic recorded 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds in 38 minutes but struggled with efficiency. He shot 8 of 24 from the field, 2 of 10 from 3-point range, and 4 of 9 from the free-throw line.

The late-game decision has fueled discussion about the roles played on key possessions for the Lakers, who fell to 34-23 with the loss and lost their second consecutive game. A four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, James has long been considered one of the league’s most reliable finishers, especially in playoff settings. Doncic, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a high-usage playmaker capable of creating shots under pressure.

The Lakers are now trying to regroup as they begin a two-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns (33-26) on Thursday night starting at 6:00 pm PT. With competition tight in the Western Conference standings, clarity in late-game execution could prove crucial as Los Angeles enters the final stretch of the regular season.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been going through some ups and downs lately, most recently losing a home game to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday evening. Some are even saying that the Lakers would be better off moving on from LeBron James this summer, as the possibility of him joining a new team has become a real possibility.

Of course, James’ retirement doesn’t seem too far away either, and recently, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus reported on a big plan the star may have as it relates to NBA expansion.

Pincus reported, “…there is a rumor going around the league that he will be the face of an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas.”

Apparently, James’ longtime friend Rich Paul is also involved in the scheme.

Pincus reported, “One thinking is that he could retire, and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, could sell the rest of his agency to UTA (United Talent Agency). With the financial backing, they could step into ownership roles.”

Rumors of NBA expansion have been circulating for some time, with Las Vegas listed among the leading candidates along with Seattle, previously home to the SuperSonics.

Pincus said that “the league will allow multiple candidates to choose a position.”

James has become more and more prominent in recent years for his business interests off the court. Meanwhile, Paul has not been a fan of the Lakers this year, as he publicly suggested that the team move on from Austin Reaves via a trade.

However, his potential teaming up with James on an expansion team in Las Vegas would happen long after James’ Lakers days, and the NBA as a whole, are over.

For now, the Lakers will focus on trying to get back in the win column on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns.

There has been a widespread belief, almost from the moment they amassed the worst record in the league, that the Las Vegas Raiders are set to make Fernando Mendoza the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Still, that hasn’t been carved in stone yet.

The Raiders had a large contingent in pursuit of Mendoza, including the Heisman-winner’s victory at the College Football National Championship. However, perhaps the Raiders aren’t 100% sold on Mendoza being their next franchise QB.

According to the , the franchise will always consider trade offers for the top selection in the draft.

“I learned a long time ago – always listen,” Spytek said. “I’m always listening. I watched him a few times this season, evaluating him. We’re not allowed to talk to him, so it’s as close as I get to standing on the sidelines before a game.”

If the Raiders are “always listening,” we’d assume that includes offers for Maxx Crosby, despite their best efforts to say they want him back. Whether Crosby feels the same way remains to be seen, but he has tried to convey through back-channels that he would like to play elsewhere.

Still, if the Raiders are actually listening to offers instead of picking and choosing Mendoza, it opens the door to a potential blockbuster offer, just like the Rams did in 2016 when they traded up to take Jared Goff.

RELATED: Aidan Hutchinson discusses ‘dream’ of Detroit Lions trading for Max Crosby

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a 125–122 loss against the city rival Los Angeles Lakers, with Kawhi Leonard having to leave early with an ankle injury. Led by Luka Doncic’s 38 points and 11 assists, the Lakers fielded a trio of Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, who had one of their best offensive performances of the season.

After the game, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue praised his team, claiming that they fought to the end despite great adversity.

Tyronn Lue Postgame

“Don’t feel like any team is trying to beat me.” pic.twitter.com/0Pdv8KLZiU

– Law Murray 🏴‍☠️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) 21 February 2026

“You see, that’s who we are. This group, we’re gonna compete, we’re gonna fight every night. This doesn’t look like a bullshit team that’s trying to lose to me. We’ll scrape by every night. We’ll fight every night. That’s who we are. Teams that are gonna play against us know we’re gonna fight every night,” he said, according to a post by The Athletic’s Law Murray on X.

The Lakers started with an early offensive burst, led by Doncic’s 17-point quarter, as the Clippers returned from a 12-point deficit in the first quarter. However, the reaction was just as dramatic.

Leonard shot clinically throughout, finishing 11 of 19 shooting, including an impressive 19-point second quarter that kept the game from slipping away. The Clippers’ physical ability and comeback provided another encouraging sign.

They had a significant early advantage in second-chance production, outscoring the Lakers 14–2 on offensive rebounds in the first half. This helped them flip the script as they overcame a 15-point deficit to take a 17-0 lead.

However, Leonard’s ejection with a little more than five minutes remaining proved to be the turning point. Despite bringing the score to 123–120 with only 46 seconds remaining, the Clippers struggled to stay in the game and ultimately lost.

However, as he pointed out, Tyronn Lue’s team fought until the end and will have plenty of positives to take from the defeat.

The Las Vegas Raiders have been searching for a new franchise quarterback for a long time. Trading for former Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith last offseason backfired. The Raiders now have the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and many believe they are set to select Heisman-winning CFP national champion Fernando Mendoza from Indiana.

However, others do not believe it is a good idea. Some think the Raiders would be better off trading the No. 1 pick for a collection of assets.

Specifically, Fox Sports’ Danny Parkins believes the Raiders would be much better off trading the top pick in April’s NFL Draft.

“Given how many holes the Raiders have, and looking at the comps for Mendoza, it seems like this is a Jared Goff type, who is a little bit quicker with a little bit of a bad arm … who might miss.”

Absolutely. All draft picks can be missed, even the seemingly ‘sure things’ that come up every few years. Still, what’s the alternative in Las Vegas? Running it back with Geno Smith? Trying to bring in someone like Tua Tagovailoa or Kyler Murray?

Who’s to say those reclamation projects are even going on in Vegas? Mendoza would be their least expensive option, and has the highest ceiling, but yes, like any player, there are risks involved. It’s up to the attackers to decide if the risks are worth the potential payoff.

RELATED: Max Crosby’s praise for Caleb Williams sparks NFL rumor

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Max Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders are coming off another challenging season in which they set their franchise record for most losses in a season with 14. The Raiders have since made several changes, most notably firing Pete Carroll and hiring Clint Kubiak as their head coach.

Now that the Raiders’ brand-new coaching staff is in place, it’s time to address the elephant in the room: Crosby’s future with the team. He is under contract with Las Vegas through the 2029 season, but some believe the five-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher is tired of being part of a losing effort.

Others doubt the Raiders would even consider trading their best defenseman. Recently, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Raiders don’t actually want to trade Crosby. But if they do consider offers, it would involve a trade package like Micah Parsons, two first-round picks and a player.

“I was told the Raiders didn’t want to trade him and even if they considered it, it would have to take a Micah Parsons-type package,” Schefter said. “That’s what I was told. Do I think they’re getting two players and one player? No. Do I think they’ll want to trade him? No. Do I think he’ll be traded? … It’ll change by the week, but it’s definitely possible.”

Crosby is already 28 years old. Meanwhile, Parsons was only 26 years old at the time of his trade to the Cowboys. Crosby has only 4.5 more sacks than Parsons in his career, and has played two more seasons. In other words, Parsons was the more attractive trade chip.

In other words, it may be difficult for the Raiders to get their reported asking price, but if they are willing to drop the price, a deal could be done. Still, based on his initial request, the Raiders likely won’t trade their prized pass-rusher for anything less than a first-round selection.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro weighs decision to request trade

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

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巴迪·霍利

巴迪·霍利 (Buddy Holly) 在上次比賽中排名第三，落後於克里姆特·馬德里克 (Klimt Madrik)，後者於 12 月前往紐伯里 (Newbury)，在 Chalow 新手跨欄的一年級連隊中以微弱優勢排名 No Drama This End。

這匹騸馬在第二次奔跑中肯定會有所進步，並且確實會找到更平靜的水域。

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蒂雷納

12 月在 Fontwell 的最後一場比賽中，與六名對手的比賽中，他在領先時摔倒了。

他的第一場英國跨欄比賽以領先印第安河隊第二名的成績結束，顯然他很快就會成為英國的冠軍。

他只有四歲，所以與他的首次亮相相比，他在這裡會得到一些體重津貼，再加上他體重的下降，這匹扎拉克騸馬完全有能力贏得這場比賽。

sport BET 增加了收藏夾

在每場 UK 和 IRE 比賽開始前 30 分鐘，我們將推動最喜愛的或第二喜愛的選手獲勝！

在這裡獲取最新的漲價信息

18+。在特定賽馬的價格提升市場上進行投注，如果您的選擇獲勝，我們將按提升的賠率支付。最高福利適用。單擊查看條款和條件。 GambleAware.org

湯姆·倫恩的賽馬損益

• 從 25 年 3 月開始： +85.59分
• 從 24 年 5 月起： +255.97分
• 從 23 年 10 月起： +395.44分

在撰寫本文時所有賠率均正確

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商業內容注意：接受本文中介紹的博彩公司優惠之一可能會導致向 sport 付款。 18+。條款與條件適用。 GambleAware.org

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• 在玩之前設定時間和金錢限制
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*18+新客戶。選擇加入並在 7 天內對賽馬投注最高 35 英鎊（最低 10 英鎊）（賠率 2/1+）。如果您的第一個投注輸了，您可以拿回您的初始本金，任何體育項目的免費投注最高可達 35 英鎊。免費投注將在 7 天后過期。單擊查看條款和條件 | GambleAware.org。請負責任地賭博

湯姆·布雷迪知道如何才能獲勝，現在他正努力在罪惡之城取得成功。

這位七屆超級碗冠軍擁有拉斯維加斯突襲者隊的少數股權，他在這支表現不佳的 NFL 球隊中的工作任務艱鉅。

5

自2003年1月在奧克蘭比賽以來，銀黑隊就沒有贏過一場季后賽比賽，並且在本賽季結束時成為聯盟中最差的球隊之一。

拉斯維加斯以3勝14負的戰績鎖定了2026年NFL選秀的狀元秀，並獲得了重置的機會。

經驗豐富的主教練皮特·卡羅爾（Pete Carroll）就是其中之一，他在罪惡之城的經歷結束了，並在“黑色星期一”被解僱——常規賽結束後不到 24 小時。

在 1 月 5 日宣布這一消息的聲明中，突襲者隊老闆馬克·戴維斯表示，布雷迪將在球隊中扮演更重要的角色，並將成為尋找卡羅爾替代者的關鍵人物。

近兩週過去了，這位傳奇四分衛準確地透露了他希望新候選人能為維加斯帶來什麼。

湯姆·布雷迪 (Tom Brady) 提供突襲者 HC 搜索更新

“我認為現在每支球隊都在經歷自己的流程，試圖找出最適合他們的方式，”布雷迪在周四發表的採訪中告訴美聯社。

“我們希望在拉斯維加斯帶來一場胜利。這是球迷們應得的，而且已經等了很長時間了。

“所以，你必須解決很多難題，但我當然非常興奮，我們將使事情朝著正確的方向發展。”