New leader is ready to kickoff key offseason
New Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek addressed the media at the NFL scouting on Tuesday morning. Here are some highlights of his session:
- Raiders’ star defensive end Maxx Crosby has no more remaining guaranteed money on his contract and he’s been vocal about it. Spytek didn’t commit to giving Crosby a new contract, but it’s clearly something he wants. He said Crosby is the embodiment of what the new Raiders’ regime wants from players and said they want him “to be a Raider for a long time and I think Maxx wants that, too.” This is just my opinion, but this is something I see working itself out at some point this offseason.
- Monday, Sports Illustrated reported that the Raiders are among the teams to show interest in trading for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Spytek declined to specifically address Stafford, but said they will look into good players if the opportunity presents. Spytek has been part of teams in Denver that added the likes of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield in free agency. He was asked if that’s the route he wants to go this year with the Raiders. He said they will look at all routes to solving the issue at the position. Spytek said he hasn’t met any of the quarterback draft prospects this year, but he is looking forward to meeting them all this week. He said that may be the most important aspect of the draft process even more so than seeing on-field work. He also said the Raiders will consider holdovers Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew and Carter Bradley in this process. He said O’Connell “showed some quality stuff in his opportunities.” it still seems likely Minshew will be released.
- Spytek said he really doesn’t subscribe to a certain draft philosophy of best-available player or drafting for need. He said you have focus on building a team and sprinkle in approaches as needed. As for the team’s biggest needs, Spytek, who called this a “dream job,” admittingly sidestepped the question. He noted the Raiders went 4-13 in 2024 and they have work to do. His goal is to add quality people and players to the roster.
- Spytek said he keeps in touch with Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady, who have known each other since college. Spytek said Brady is a “curious” person and they talk about certain players here and there. Thus, Brady has been advising more so than being a part of the daily grind.
- Spytek is a fan of what Super Bowl champion Philadelphia has built — a strong defensive front and a powerful offensive running game.
- Spytek is enjoying working with new coach Pete Carroll. He said Carroll’s experience and enthusiasm has made his job so enjoyable so far.
- Spytek knows how tough the AFC West will be. “There will be no easy games in our division,” he said.
- Spytek said he cherished his time in Denver, working with all-time quarterbacks John Elway and Peyton Manning and it helped mold what he looks for at the position,
- Monday, the Raiders signed safety Isaiah Pola-Mao a two-year contract extension. Spytek said he was impressed that Pola-Mao worked his way from an undrafted free agent to a player who seized an opportunity when starter Marcus Epps went down last year. Spytek also said Pola-Mao is well respected in the Raiders’ building.
- Spytek said he likes this running back draft class and he is looking for a tone setter at that the position.
- Spytek is excited about bringing administrator/operations type Mark Thewes. They were together in Denver. He said Thewes is an innovator who is a calming presence.
- Carroll is scheduled to speak to the media at 11 a.m. PT Tuesday.