Silver And Black Pride
It feels like this article has become an annual tradition since the Las Vegas Raiders continue to churn through head coaches, firing Pete Carroll at the end of the season. But here we are, with the Raiders on the head coach search again. So, let’s rank how Las Vegas stacks up against the other eight openings around the NFL, factoring in the quarterback situation, 2026 NFL draft picks, salary cap space and roster.
Draft picks are via Tankathon and salary cap information is via Over The Cap.
QB: Lamar Jackson
Top 100 Draft Picks: 14, 45, 80
Salary Cap: $21.2 million (18th in NFL)
There shouldn’t be any debate when it comes to the top opening this offseason. The Ravens have a playoff-caliber roster, a two-time MVP at quarterback and are a stable organization. It just seems like John Harbaugh’s message grew stale in the locker room, on top of his refusal to fire offensive coordinator Todd Monken, are the only reasons why Harbaugh got the boot. Baltimore should have its pick of the litter when it comes to head coach candidates.
QB: Michael Penix Jr.
Top 100 Draft Picks: 48, 79
Salary Cap: $22.5 million (17th)
To be fair, the Falcons’ attractiveness will depend on how candidates view Penix. Even before suffering another season-ending injury, the second-year pro was having a tough season. However, he showed promise at the end of the 2024 campaign and was a top 10 draft pick. Also, Atlanta has a pretty good roster, headlined by Bijan Robinson on offense and several promising young players on defense, and plays in a weak division to make the path to the playoffs easier.
QB: No. 1 pick
Top 100 Draft Picks: 1, 36, 67
Salary Cap: $89.0 million (3rd)
The Raiders will have to give candidates plenty of assurance that they’ll be patient via a long and lucrative contract offer, seeing as their last three head coaches (Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce and Carroll) didn’t even get two full seasons on the job. Also, the organization is facing a multi-year rebuild. But the latter could be attractive considering the next coach will have a chance to mold the roster in his vision, especially if someone likes what they’ve seen from Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Plus, in addition to the assets above, Las Vegas has three fourth-round picks to help guide the turnaround.
QB: Good question
Top 100 Draft Picks: 21, 53, 76 (from DAL), 85, 99 (comp.)
Salary Cap: $39.0 million (10th)
If the Steelers had a clear path to get a quarterback, they’d be ahead of the Raiders without a question. It’s a stable organization that literally does not fire head coaches. Also, they have a lot of draft capital with 12 picks and a good amount of cash to use in free agency. But people in Pittsburgh know all of that won’t matter if the organization can’t figure...
