Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Emails, Questions

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the world's most influential professional sports franchises, and we take time each week to answer the questions of a rabid fan base.

The Las Vegas Raiders have already turned the page to the 2024 season, and many questions surround this ICONIC franchise.

We will answer some of the questions and emails from Raider Nation as we look ahead to this monster game.

Hi Hondo, you said that Maxx Crosby played at 60 percent for weeks. Is he going to have surgery? Will it be before or after the Pro Bowl? --Jordan P.

He is having surgery, and it will be tomorrow on his thumb and knee.

Hey Hondo. I always love what you have to say. Is Jack Jones still under his rookie contract for two more years with us? He’s had some great moments. Thanks. --Steve C.

He is under contract for 2024 and 2025 with a COMBINED cap hit for both seasons of roughly $2.1 million. What a deal for the Silver and Black, Champ Kelly and Antonio Pierce, getting him for that cost.  YOU CAN SEE THE DETAILS HERE.

Hondo, I didn’t appreciate Maxx Crosby’s demands, but after your podcast I get it. If the Raiders don’t hire Antonio Pierce, do you think he asks for a trade? --Jerry D.

I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I have said that I think AP and Champ will be hired.  Additionally, if anyone missed that podcast you can watch it above.

Antonio Pierce has the Las Vegas Raiders' locker room backing him for the permanent job as head coach / © Stephen R. Sylvanie | 2024 Jan 7

Hola Hondo. How do you see the possibility of signing Kirk Cousins? What do you know about Garoppolo's contract, and how much does it affect the Raiders to release him to make decisive moves in the upcoming free agency? Greetings from Mexico. --Cesar G.

The Raiders will most certainly be moving on from Jimmy G, as you can’t pay a backup the amount he would be owed. The Raiders cap issues won’t be perfect, but far from bad. As far as Cousins, he is a viable option, not saying probable, but viable. The Raiders like Aidan O’Connell, and adding a rookie is an almost certainty, but don’t rule out an additional veteran.

Hondo, I loved your podcast today about Maxx Crosby not being wrong with his willingness to consider all options should Mark Davis not hire Antonio Pierce and Champ Kelly. Have you heard from any players? Did they agree? --Nicole L.

I certainly didn’t hear from all of them, but I did hear from several who all agreed. One even woke my wife and me up. LOL (I appreciate you, buddy).

Hondo, do you feel Aidan O’Connell is the QB of the future? --Fred T.

First, my opinion doesn’t matter. Secondly, you asked what I think, so here is what I would say. He had a great rookie year when you look at his numbers, how it developed, and what they asked him to do. Secondly, I think Antonio Pierce and Champ Kelly do believe in him. That said, anytime you are not 100 percent certain, such as the Ravens and Bengals with their quaterbacks, you constantly look to add talent for competition. I believe that Aidan has no issues competing, and I think he is a winner. I'm not ready to call Aidan O’Connell the next Kenny Stabler, but when you look at all of the behind-the-scenes issues he maneuvered, there is a ton of upside.

Hondo, if there was ever a year to grab a quarterback, this is it. Assuming we have AP/Champ in 2024, how likely will the Raiders trade up for their preferred quarterback? If they stand pat at 13, what position do they address first? --Regards, Mike P.

I believe this is a very deep quarterback draft, but I'm not sure it is as first-round deep as some people say. If they fall in love with a guy, they certainly could, but I don’t think they are in love with anyone yet that would have them move up, but that could change through the process. Additionally, I would say they would make an offensive line pick, but ask me before the NFL Draft as evaluations come about.

The last time the Raiders won the Super Bowl, the head coaches were two homegrown coaches who grew with the team. Why can't Mark Davis understand that he already has a (John) Madden or (Tom) Flores type coach and allows the team to grow and win instead of making the same mistake a third time? --Andrew E.

I do not think he will make that mistake, and I expect Mark Davis to hire Antonio Pierce.

Hello, Mr. Carpenter. I was very critical of you for saying that the Raiders, according to two NFL General Managers, could change the contracts and hire Antonio Pierce and Champ Kelly. Now that I see the Jerod Mayo contract, I see what they meant. I have much respect for you and your work. --Justin G.

What made me laugh, and not necessarily at you, Justin, was that I was reporting what two General Managers told me. I clarified that I didn’t have an opinion; it was what I was told.

Hondo, your article on the differences between Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels is fascinating. Ian Rappaport reported that on Josh McDaniels picked Ziegler, proving that Josh was his boss. Was that what you were speaking about? --Alex M.

Yes.

Hondo, do you think no coaching hires until after the 22nd, because you can’t do any interview in person yet? --Darren T.

You can’t do a personal interview with anyone under contract.

Hondo, you have always said you felt Champ Kelly and Antonio Pierce would get the jobs. You also said you thought it would be done by the end of the month. Are you still thinking about the end of the month? --Patrick E.

I think Champ Kelly and Antonio Pierce could be announced at any time on Thursday. Early next week? But I don’t think it will be at the end of the month; I think it will be sooner.

If you have questions about your beloved Silver and Black, email us at SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put Raiders Q&A in the subject line.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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