Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Questions, Emails

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.

DETROIT, Mich.--The Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) are headed here to take on the Detroit Lions (5-2) this week on Monday Night Football, so we will answer some of the questions and e-mails from Raider Nation.

Hondo, you were right. You said that you would be shocked if Hunter (Renfrow) was on the roster to start the year, and I ridiculed you.  I called you out when you said he could be had for a fourth or fifth. You were right. Now we know that he can be had for a ham sandwich.  Why isn't he gone? --Steven S.

The team that signs him would owe him $4 million. He would be a cap hit for the team that owns his contract in 2024 of over $11 million, and while he can be had for a late pick, even later than four or five now, the Raiders aren't willing to assist with the cap hit next year. There is no animosity between Coach Josh McDaniels and Hunter Renfrow; both parties, I believe, would like to move on. I'm not sure it is possible unless someone is willing to take the hit for next year.

Hondo, your coverage of the Raiders has been outstanding, while at the same time being respectful to Josh McDaniels, whom it seems you have a strong affinity for, is admirable. Do you expect him to turn on you should your questions remain tough?  --Vincent V.

As long as I don't make it personal, which I never would, of course not. He understands my job, I appreciate his, and I do genuinely like him as a man.

Hondo, my man. Why has (General Manager) Dave Ziegler disappeared and is in hiding from the media? At least let us hear from Champ Kelly. I love your work, my dude. --G. Kilgore

He hasn't disappeared at all. I speak to him regularly. They would not be around if someone told you that he had disappeared. I will have an exclusive one-on-one interview with Champ Kelly during the bye-week that I think you will love.

Mark Davis, Josh McDaniels, and Dave Ziegler are trying to stay the course of their long-term vision.        Photo courtesy of Dexter Ernes Wayne Carpenter 

Hey, Hondo. What has Josh McDaniels done in his career to be considered an "offensive genius" outside of getting to watch Tom Brady from the sideline? Who was already a three-time Super Bowl winner and two-time MVP before McDaniels? --Michael F.

Brady has credited him often. Before arriving in Las Vegas, the NFL world thought highly of him, and he made Mac Jones a Pro Bowl quarterback in his rookie year. That is the resume; your job is to interpret it as you wish.

Hondo, I do not believe they are trying to tank for a second. However, how can this staff justify continuing to start Jimmy G? I completely understand giving him 6-7 weeks. But nothing has changed, and I would bet my life savings that nothing does change with Jimmy under center. The season is not over ... but boy, is it close to spiraling. Just win ... maybe. --Andrew B.

This is a fair question. If they feel Jimmy Garoppolo is their best bet, and they do, and they are not eliminated, that is the why. You decide if you agree or disagree.

Hi Hondo, As the team has not performed, is it possible to send (assistant coaches) packing, or is that just not done because, during the season, there isn't anyone worth a rip to replace them? --Chris B.

Josh could fire assistant coaches, but let's be clear. I think he has a good staff, outside of one, maybe two guys. He knew he had issues with them in the offseason but went forward. Could he? Of course, see what Dan Campbell (MCDC) has done here in Detroit, but who replaces them?

The Raiders played an uninspiring game against the Bears. Backups, and excuses are available on both sides. Is it time to blow it all up again? --Jason C.

This team is not performing, but this team has a lot of talent. You could make the argument, and I would agree with you if you did, that this team has more talent than when Josh McDaniels took over.  Do you blow up a team with talent that isn't performing high enough? You asked my opinion: you don't blow up this team.

Hondo, how can I forgive this regime for trading Darren Waller? How? --Bill J.

Forgiveness is your decision, but Darren had to move on. I like and respect Darren, but it was best. When Darren was traded, it was received well in the eyes of the locker room.

I sincerely want Josh, Dave, and the Raiders to succeed now and in the future. I'd love to see many years of quality football and stability. It seems we haven't had that since Jon Gruden Version 1. They also inherited a roster full of holes due to the prior regime's draft and roster management misses. That said, where do you think Mark Davis' head is? --John E. 

I know that Mark is as frustrated as anyone. He knows what Josh and Dave want to do and understands how they plan to do that. While frustrated, like everyone, he feels he can see the direction from a long-term perspective.

If you have a Las Vegas Raiders question you would like answered, please email us at SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put Raiders Q/A in the subject line.

The Silver and Black will stay on the road to take on the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Oct. 30, at 8:15 p.m. EDT/5:15 p.m. PDT.

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