Here are the biggest rumors and storylines swirling around Klint Kubiak's Raiders as training camp approaches:
1. Maxx Crosby trade speculation — This is the loudest rumor. A deal with Baltimore fell through in February after a failed physical, but new suitors have emerged. Per Yahoo Sports, the Eagles and 49ers are "nuclear hot" for Crosby according to Raiders insider Hondo Carpenter (though analysts think an Eagles deal is unlikely given their edge depth). ESPN's Dan Graziano also floated the Patriots, Cowboys, Bills, and Bears as potential fits ahead of the trade deadline, but noted Crosby "might stick with the Raiders all year" depending on his health (from the Maxx Crosby page).
2. Quarterback plan — Kirk Cousins (ahead of schedule in Achilles recovery) is the intended starter while No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza learns. Kubiak has said Cousins "has played really good football for us this time of year" (from the Raiders team page).
3. Tom Brady's active mentorship — Brady (5% minority owner) has been hands-on at OTAs, FaceTiming with Mendoza and providing career guidance. Mendoza says Brady's involvement is "active and valuable" for his learning curve (from the Raiders team page).
4. Scheme installation — Kubiak's Shanahan outside-zone system is being implemented with a heavy run identity. The team signed Tyler Linderbaum to a record $81M deal to anchor the OL, which should unlock Ashton Jeanty for a Year 2 leap — Jeanty saw just 1.6 yards before contact as a rookie (from the Ashton Jeanty page).
On Fantasy Points Fantasy Football, they ranked the Raiders No. 2 in breakout offense rankings, citing the offensive line investment as the biggest reason for optimism.