Las Vegas Raiders Shock NFL with Blockbuster Trade — Inside the Deal and What’s Next

Raider Nation flooded Allegiant Stadium on Saturday as the Las Vegas Raiders staged a full-speed mock game that delivered highlight-reel plays, early hints at Pete Carroll’s offensive philosophy and a glimpse of how the 2025 roster is coming together. First-team fireworks Veteran quarterback Geno Smith, looking increasingly comfortable in Silver and Black, tossed four touchdowns—including two to All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and a 60-yard strike to speedster Phillip Dorsett—to pace the starting unit. Smith later iced a comeback with a read-option two-point conversion that had fans roaring. The chemistry between Smith, Bowers and second-year receiver Jakobi Meyers has been the headline of camp, and Saturday’s showing reinforced why Carroll hand-picked the former Seahawks QB to pilot his up-tempo scheme. Rookies making noise Fourth-round pick Cam Miller continued his push for the backup job by rushing for two touchdowns and ripping off a pair of double-digit scrambles that showcased his dual-threat upside. Fellow rookie wideout Dont’e Thornton Jr. shook free for a red-zone score on an offsides free play, flashing the length and body control that made him a preseason sleeper. Maxx Crosby sets the tone The defense had its moments, too. All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby ripped the ball from Aidan O’Connell mid-throw and sprinted 60 yards for a “strip-six,” pumping energy into a unit eager to rebound from last year’s 28th-ranked pass rush. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham mixed fronts liberally, pairing Crosby with free-agent signee Devin White on multiple overload looks that produced steady pocket pressure. Depth battles heating up • Running back Zamir White capitalized on Josh Jacobs’ veteran-rest day, rumbling in for a goal-line TD and breaking two tackles on a 17-yard burst. • Second-year corner Kyu Blu Kelly broke up a deep ball to Thornton and nearly grabbed an interception, tightening the competition opposite veteran Jack Jones. • On the offensive line, rookie guard Ashton Jeanty rotated with starter Dylan Parham and didn’t allow a pressure in 18 pass-block reps, per team tracking. Pete Carroll’s postgame message “We’re just warming up,” Carroll told the crowd, crediting the “electric energy” from the nearly 20,000 fans who attended the open practice. The 73-year-old coach emphasized ball security and explosive plays—two categories the Raiders led Saturday, finishing plus-two in turnovers and registering seven gains of 20-plus yards. What’s next Las Vegas travels to Santa Clara on Friday for joint practices with the 49ers before opening the preseason Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium. Expect Smith and the starters to log one series, while Miller and O’Connell split the remaining snaps as the depth chart takes shape. Key takeaways for searchers • Geno Smith’s command of Carroll’s offense is already translating into touchdowns. • Rookies Cam Miller and Dont’e Thornton are earning real roles ahead of the first preseason game. • Maxx Crosby remains the heartbeat of a defense banking on more takeaways in 2025. Stay locked in here for daily Las Vegas Raiders training-camp updates, injury reports and roster moves as the Silver and Black march toward the preseason opener.