The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era in 2026, undertaking a full-scale rebuild designed to address weaknesses and position the team for long-term success, while strategically using salary cap space to strengthen key positions across the roster.
The franchise is looking to combine youth, high-upside talent, and veteran leadership in an effort to reestablish itself as a playoff contender.
If the Raiders select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming draft, patience will be critical. The rookie signal-caller must adjust to NFL speed and complexity while learning the nuances of professional football under a new coaching staff.
Before the draft, receiver Jalen Nailor praised Mendoza‘s abilities and composure, noting the potential upside for the 22-year-old quarterback who posted a 182.9 passer rating with 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions over 16 games in 2025.
Former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon offered his perspective on Mendoza‘s skills, emphasizing traits he believes are essential for success as a franchise quarterback and highlighting how talent alone doesn’t guarantee immediate results without strong leadership.
On March 21, Tom Brady was asked about the Raiders‘ new head coach, Klint Kubiak, and Maxx Crosby returning to the team after a failed trade to the Baltimore Ravens, but Brady chose to focus on the organization’s long-term rebuild rather than individual players.
“My career has allowed me to be around amazing people and mentors like Robert Kraft as an owner of a team,” Brady said. “And now getting to work with Mark Davis in the role that I’m in, and to see the different ways things are done and how we’re evolving and growing.
“We certainly have a long way to go. What I’ve learned about football in 23 seasons is that it takes a tremendous amount of resilience, adversity, discipline, determination, and communication from an entire organization to really see the value in committing to one another.
“So it’s always process over outcomes. We’re all trying, all of us in our own roles, whether it’s ownership, the personnel department, strength and conditioning, athletic training, or obviously players across offense and defense. Everyone’s got to come together, and everyone has to work incredibly hard for the people next to them.”
Brady’s multifaceted role in Las Vegas
Brady serves as a minority owner of the Raiders, assisting Mark Davis in reshaping the organization while leveraging his expertise as a Fox analyst, influencing roster decisions, and helping establish a culture focused on accountability and long-term success.
Since joining the Raiders, Brady‘s influence has been evident in offseason moves, with many changes tied to his input. His dual role as broadcaster and limited partner has prompted questions about potential conflicts, although his focus remains supportive rather than operational.
“My ownership interests in the Raiders is just much more of a long-term, kind of behind the scenes type role,” Brady said. “I am there to support the team and leadership and the overall vision of success.
“The best part for me is I love football so much and the fact that I get to be involved with it for the rest of my life and showcase this great game, not just as a broadcaster which is obviously one way, but in a limited partner role with an organization. It is something I hope a lot of other players get the opportunity to do. I want the game to continue to grow and continue to improve and get better. Whatever role I can play in that, I am really excited to do that.”
With Brady‘s history of success in the NFL and his new responsibilities, he is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on the Raiders‘ rebuild, helping establish structure, culture, and leadership as the team navigates a pivotal offseason.