Why This Raiders Offseason Feels Different

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to generate major offseason attention, and according to Paul Gutierrez, the tone around the organization has shifted in a way fans aren’t used to: things finally feel structured and intentional.

Gutierrez joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to break down where the Raiders stand after a busy offseason that now includes the addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

While the move has stabilized the most important position on the roster, Gutierrez emphasized that the bigger picture is about alignment across the organization.

“If we learned anything from the Maxx Crosby chronicles earlier in the offseason, nothing is official until it’s official,” he said, pointing to how quickly narratives can shift in the NFL.

Still, with Cousins now in place, the vision from head coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek has become clearer. Gutierrez noted that Kubiak has been consistent about what he wants from his quarterback room.

“In a perfect world, a rookie quarterback is not starting Week 1. He’s sitting and learning from a veteran, an adult who can show him how to run the show,” he said, underscoring why the Cousins signing fits the Raiders’ plan.

That structure is especially important as the Raiders head into this month’s NFL Draft holding significant draft capital, including the No. 1 overall pick.

Gutierrez said that while no team wants to be in that position, it has put the Raiders at the center of the league’s attention.

“You never really want the number one pick ever again, but to be the center of the NFL universe right now is a pretty cool deal,” he said.

A major focus remains on how rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza performed at his Pro Day, which impressed evaluators not just physically but also mentally.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Gutierrez highlighted Mendoza’s command of the offense, saying it stood out that he was “at the line of scrimmage, calling out the play, calling out the receiver’s name,” something uncommon at that stage of development.

Defensively, star edge rusher Maxx Crosby remains the emotional anchor of the franchise. Despite offseason noise, Gutierrez made it clear the expectation is stability.

“He’s back in the building, doing what Maxx does—first guy in, last guy out,” he said, while acknowledging the adjustment as the roster evolves around him.

Looking ahead, Gutierrez expects the Raiders’ offense to look more disciplined under Kubiak, with influences pulled from his recent stops.

“Take a little bit of Seattle, a little bit of Minnesota, a little bit of New Orleans, and shake it up in silver and black,” he said. The biggest question now is whether that blend translates on the field.

For the first time in a while, the Raiders don’t just feel active—they feel coordinated. And as Gutierrez summed it up, “There’s a difference between being on the same page and being on the right page.”

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• Did the 49ers overpay for free agents this offseason?
• 49ers ‘in no rush’ to remove WR Brandon Aiyuk from roster
• Matt Barrows on the 49ers’ Draft Plan & Positional Priorities
• Why the 49ers were the ‘number one spot’ for Mike Evans
• San Francisco Lands Mike Evans—But Is the Window Already Closing?

Upcoming Raiders & NFL Offseason Schedule

• Wednesday, April 15 – Deadline for pre-draft visits/workouts with prospects
• Friday, April 17 – Restricted free agent offer sheet deadline
• Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25 – 2026 NFL Draft
• Mid-May (approx.) – Rookie minicamps begin (team-specific)
• Late May – June (approx.) – OTAs (Organized Team Activities)
• Early–Mid June (approx.) – Mandatory Minicamps
• Wednesday, July 15 – Deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deal

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