Raiders Rumors: Latest Buzz, Players to Watch at Mandatory Minicamp
The Las Vegas Raiders have had an exciting few months. They reached the playoffs in January and gave the eventual conference-champion Cincinnati Bengals all they could handle before bowing out in the wild-card round. They then hired a new head coach in Josh McDaniels, signed star pass-rusher Chandler Jones and traded for elite receiver Davante Adams.
Las Vegas was quite good in 2021, and on paper, it's even better now. However, with organized team activities (OTAs) ongoing—the Raiders wrapped their second-to-last session on June 3—and mandatory minicamp (June 7-9) right around the corner, the real work to prepare for the 2022 season is about to begin.
What's the latest buzz surrounding the Raiders' offseason? Which players will fans want to follow during minicamp? Below, we'll dive into the latest rumors and reports.
Raiders 'Potentially' a Landing Spot for Ndamukong Suh
The Raiders have already added a couple of prolific pieces this offseason in Adams and Jones. There's a reasonable chance that they add another before the start of training camp.
Five-time Pro Bowler Ndamukong Suh appears unlikely to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now that Tampa has signed defensive tackle Akiem Hicks to a one-year, $8 million deal.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently told the Pat McAfee Show that a "couple" of teams are interested in adding Suh and that Las Vegas could be among those interested parties.
"I've head Raiders would be one of those teams, potentially," Rapoport said (at the 49-second mark).
Adding Suh would make plenty of sense for a Las Vegas team that ranked 19th in rushing yards allowed and 26th in scoring defense last season. The 35-year-old can still get to the quarterback—he had six sacks in 2021—and is still a quality run defender.
The big question is whether Las Vegas, which does have $21.5 million in cap space available, is willing to spend on another big-name addition.
Expect the Raiders to spend time evaluating what they have in defensive linemen like Johnathan Hankins, Andrew Billings, Vernon Butler and rookies Neil Farrell Jr. and Matthew Butler before turning back to the free-agent market.
The Carr-Adams Reunion Is off to a Good Start
The Raiders paid a lot to get Adams from the Green Bay Packers—the trade cost them first- and second-round 2022 selections. The Raiders then immediately gave Adams a hefty new five-year, $140 million extension.
The trade and the money weren't just about bringing in one of the best receivers in the league. Getting Adams was also about reuniting him with former Fresno State teammate and quarterback Derek Carr.
In just two seasons with Carr at Fresno State, Adams racked up 3,031 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns.
Both players are still learning the offense, but the early buzz indicates that their reunion is off to a solid start.
"The two don't look rusty and find themselves in the same boat of learning Josh McDaniels' offense," Levi Edwards of the team's official website wrote.."We'll start to see how dangerous they can truly be back together once Training Camp starts, but the duo back together on the same field is always a good sight, no matter what capacity."
As Edwards noted, we'll know an awful lot more once McDaniels gets to the latter stages of installing his system. The fact that both are rust-free and working together is a very positive sign, though.
The Carr and Adams reunion will remain one of the top storylines of the Raiders offseason, and there aren't two players fans will enjoy following more during minicamp.
Alex Leatherwood Back at Right Tackle, Has Plenty to Prove in Year 2
While it appears that Carr and Adams will have no trouble picking up where they left off in college, the Raiders have some pressing questions along the offensive line. Last year's unit allowed 40 sacks, and Las Vegas ranked 27th in yards per rush.
2021 first-round pick Alex Leatherwood was particularly problematic. The former Alabama tackle was quickly moved to guard and struggled throughout the season. According to Pro Football Focus, he was responsible for 14 penalties and eight sacks surrendered.
Naturally, the Raiders will have their eyes on Leatherwood throughout minicamp and training camp. According to The Athletic's Tashan Reed, Las Vegas is hoping to move Leatherwood back to right tackle:
"Leatherwood was practicing at right tackle and split first-team reps with Brandon Parker during team drills. During media practice viewing last week, he was also observed working mostly at right tackle. He's listed as a guard-tackle on the roster, so the Raiders plan for him to work at both spots, but there appears to be an early emphasis on seeing what he's got to offer at tackle."
New offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo knows what he wants out of his offensive linemen.
"Smart, tough, play their best football when it counts the most," Bricillo said, per Reed.
For Leatherwood to earn and sustain a starting role—at tackle or elsewhere—he'll have to be far more efficient than he was a year ago. And since he was a pick of the old regime, the Raiders probably won't hesitate to sit him if he can't.
Expect Leatherwood to be under as much scrutiny as any player on the Raiders roster heading into training camp.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.