The Oakland Raiders are coming off a disappointing 2017 NFL season that saw them experience a significant step back missing the playoffs entirely. This had followed a breakout campaign that saw them earn their first trip to the postseason in well over a decade.
The front office has responded this offseason by making several moves to the roster to push the team back on the right track. General manager Reggie McKenzie on Tuesday morning made what the organization’s plans are for 2018 by using former Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch’s mantra, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN:
“But you never know with a veteran player, what he wants to do, if he wants to continue,” McKenzie said. “But everything worked out. We’ve got a new staff, and [he wondered] how he’s going to be used. So, I understand the uncertainty of that. But we want to go Beast Mode this year.”
The Raiders have made several key moves that would indicate that being the case by bringing aboard players in areas of need via free agency. The front office has reshaped their secondary by signing the likes of cornerbacks Rashaan Melvin and Shareece Wright along with safety Marcus Gilchrist. The team has also essentially replaced wide receiver Michael Crabtree for former Pro Bowl wideout Jordy Nelson.
Along with that, Lynch will be back for the second year of his contract where he should look build off his respectable 2018 campaign in his first season back from retirement. The 31-year-old posted 891 yards and seven touchdowns that included notching two 100-yard rushing performances along with more than 60 yards in each of the last seven contests he played.
The Raiders could make a big leap forward in the first year under head coach Jon Gruden with a revamped roster that could see a few more changes in free agency and the upcoming draft.