Las Vegas Raiders 2026 Season Preview: New Leadership and Roster Changes
The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season under new head coach Klint Kubiak, following a challenging 2025 season that ended with a 3-14 record. The team secured the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, allowing them to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who had a standout college career.
With the addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, Mendoza will have the opportunity to develop without immediate pressure to start. The Raiders have also strengthened their offensive line by making Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid center in the league, enhancing their run-blocking capabilities. Mendoza, who earned a 90.7 PFF passing grade in his final college season, is expected to be a key player for the franchise.
The Raiders' defense will see the return of Maxx Crosby, a crucial player despite a recent dip in performance. The team is also looking to improve its wide receiver corps, which struggled last season, while Ashton Jeanty aims to build on his rookie performance with better support from the offensive line. The preseason will be critical for assessing the defensive backfield, particularly the role of second-round pick Treydan Stukes.
