The 2021 Las Vegas Raiders season started in turmoil with former head coach Jon Gruden fired for racist emails.
Then, they had to let go of Henry Ruggs III and Damon Arnette after run-ins with the law.
But the team rallied behind interim head coach Rich Bisaccia and quarterback Derek Carr to reach the playoffs.
Unfortunately, their campaign ended in a Wild Card Weekend loss to eventual AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals.
But after that early exit, the Raiders made moves to give them a better chance of making a deep playoff run.
When that happens, Carr will finally have a postseason victory.
The Raiders’ revamp isn’t limited on the field, as NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shared.
The #Raiders' playoff loss to the #Bengals was less than 3 months ago. Since then:
Hired GM Dave Ziegler
Hired coach Josh McDaniels
Extended DE Maxx Crosby
Signed edge Chandler Jones
Traded for WR Davante Adams
Extended QB Derek Carr— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 13, 2022
Pelissero shared the significant moves by the Raiders since losing to the Bengals less than three months ago.
They’ve let go of Mike Mayock and hired Dave Ziegler.
They’ve also replaced Bisaccia with former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Then, they rewarded Maxx Crosby with a four-year, $98 million deal after a solid 2021 season.
The Raiders also brought Chandler Jones on a three-year, $51 million deal to upgrade their pass rush.
On offense, Las Vegas signed All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams on a five-year, $141.25 million contract.
Finally, they settled their quarterback debate by giving Carr a three-year, $121.5 million extension.
Gearing Up For the AFC West
While their moves are impressive, these transactions also allow them to be competitive in the AFC West.
The Los Angeles Chargers still have Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Wallace, and Austin Ekeler.
However, they’ve added Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson on defense.
The Denver Broncos traded for Russell Wilson to elevate their offense which already has Javonte Williams, Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, and Courtland Sutton.
The Kansas City Chiefs may have lost Tyreek Hill, but they continue to be a threat with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
That’s the gauntlet the Raiders must go through for six games if they want to make a postseason return.
NEXT: Derek Carr Earned Big Money Thanks To His Clutch Play