An optimist's guide to the 2024 Las Vegas Raiders

Edge-rusher  Maxx Crosby's trajectory

The Raiders recently gave three-time Pro Bowler Crosby a $6M raise, and it's easy to see why. In 17 games last season, the 26-year-old edge-rusher recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks, the sixth most in the league. He also tied for first in tackles for loss (23).

Las Vegas associate head coach Marvin Lewis recently touted Crosby's work ethic, comparing it to several Pro Football Hall of Famers, including Bruce Smith, Darrell Green, Champ Bailey and Ray Lewis. 

"I've been watching how these guys who have become Hall of Fame players how they go about their day, each and every day, and Maxx has those qualities," Lewis told the media.

Of course, that's high praise, but Crosby should keep exceeding expectations and showcasing why he's one of the best pass-rushers in the league. He needs 10 sacks this upcoming season to tie for third in team history with Ben Davidson.

The defense should keep improving

The Raiders defense made significant strides under Antonio Pierce, helping him earn the full-time head-coaching job. In eight games with ex-HC Josh McDaniels, the Raiders allowed more than 23 points per game and went 3-5. After Pierce replaced McDaniels, that figure dropped to 16 PPG, and Vegas went 5-4.

Raiders cornerback Jack Jones clearly believes the unit will keep progressing. At OTAs, he told The Athletic's Tashan Reed, "My goal is to be the No. 1 defense and make the playoffs."

While that's a lofty goal, the Raiders defense should take another step in its first offseason with Pierce at the helm.

Plus, Vegas strengthened its defensive line in free agency, signing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110M deal. Pro Football Focus rates Wilkins as a top-10 interior defender after logging a career-best 61 pressures in 17 games with the Miami Dolphins last season.  

Running back Zamir White may emerge as a viable Josh Jacobs replacement

Former first-team All-Pro Jacobs signed a four-year, $48M deal with the Green Bay Packers in free agency. Perhaps Vegas felt comfortable letting him walk after White flashed immense potential last season.

White assumed RB1 duties when Jacobs missed the last four games of the season with a quad injury. During this stretch, the 24-year-old back rushed for 397 yards and one touchdown on 84 carries.

This is a small sample size, but it could signal that White will become a productive starting RB. PFF's Bradley Locker recently tabbed White as a 2024 breakout candidate for the Raiders.