THE RAIDERS GO FROM A 4-3 TO A 3-4 AND WIN THE DIVISION

Sun, Mar 23, 2025
by SetTheNarrative.cappertek.com

Las Vegas Raiders: A Defensive Dream Scenario for Contending in the AFC West

As the NFL offseason rolls quietly on, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves at a crossroads. Their defense, despite some promising pieces, feels incomplete, particularly at linebacker. Enter a dream scenario: signing three veteran linebackers—C.J. Mosley, Eric Kendricks, and De'Vondre Campbell—to short-term deals, a move that could transform their defensive fortunes overnight.

The Linebacker Trio:

Signing C.J. Mosley (32), Eric Kendricks (33), and De'Vondre Campbell (31) would immediately solidify the Raiders' linebacker corps, creating a trio ideal for challenging the reigning AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs. Mosley, a five-time Pro Bowler, brings leadership, toughness, and an elite football IQ. Kendricks adds reliability, tackling consistency, and coverage savvy. Campbell, known for his athleticism and versatility, could be instrumental in shutting down opposing tight ends and running backs, notably the Chiefs' Travis Kelce.

Estimated Financial Cost:

The financial implications are reasonable, making this scenario achievable:

C.J. Mosley: Approximately $7–9 million for one year
Eric Kendricks: Around $5–7 million for one year
De'Vondre Campbell: About $5–6 million for one year

Total Cost: Roughly $17–22 million, with a realistic expectation of around $20 million. This financial commitment is manageable, particularly on short-term deals that maintain future cap flexibility.

Defensive Transformation to a 3-4 Scheme:

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, known for his adaptable schemes, would thrive with these additions. The Raiders could seamlessly shift to a flexible 3-4 alignment, ideally suited to maximizing their new personnel:

Defensive Line: Christian Wilkins, an elite run-stopper with a relentless motor, anchors the interior, flanked by solid, reliable defenders like Malcolm Koonce and Bilal Nichols.
Outside Linebackers: Maxx Crosby, already an elite pass rusher, could elevate his game even further, freed to attack from multiple angles. Campbell, versatile and disciplined, would balance Crosby's aggression with steady coverage.
Inside Linebackers: Mosley and Kendricks, veterans who excel at diagnosing plays and run-stopping, would plug gaps and control the middle of the field.

Impact on Rivalries:

The Chiefs have dominated the division primarily through Mahomes' improvisation and Kelce's reliability. The Raiders' newly formed defensive structure would provide the precise blueprint for disruption:

Crosby pressuring from the edge, minimizing Mahomes' scrambling opportunities.
Campbell shadowing Kelce, removing Mahomes' favorite security blanket.
Mosley and Kendricks maintaining defensive discipline, preventing chunk-yardage runs and quick, short completions.

Players with Something to Prove:

While these veteran additions significantly raise the Raiders' floor, true contention hinges on the development of younger players:

Tyree Wilson, a former first-rounder entering his third year, must consistently deliver on his promise as a disruptive pass rusher.
Malcolm Koonce needs to evolve beyond his rotational role, contributing reliable pressure opposite Crosby.
Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn must step into their roles confidently, strengthening a secondary weakened by the departures of key players like Nate Hobbs and Tre'von Moehrig.

The Path to AFC West Contention:

The scenario is undeniably enticing. The Raiders, once viewed as a defensive liability, would suddenly boast a unit capable of competing with—and potentially surpassing—the Chiefs. Of course, no move is without risk. Mosley, Kendricks, and Campbell all carry the concerns of age and durability, and young talent would have to realize potential quickly.

Yet, this offseason dream scenario isn't merely fantasy football—it's a strategic vision that could realistically reshape the AFC West race. In a league defined by bold moves and calculated gambles, this is precisely the type of action the Raiders must consider if they hope to topple the division's reigning giants and return to playoff relevance.