Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Questions, Emails

The Las Vegas Raiders fan base is ravenous for information, and each week we endeavor to feed that voracious appetite with our weekly question-and-answer article.

HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders fan base is ravenous for information, and each week we endeavor to feed that voracious appetite with our weekly question-and-answer article: So without any further adieu, here we go:

Hondo, you reported that players were unhappy right after the Raiders let Trent Sieg go. I saw someone else report it recently. Can you give any more details? --Thank you, Ryan S.

I want to make clear what I am about to say, it is not anything against Derek Carr, but more players were angry at the release of Sieg than they were Carr. Let me explain.

The players loved Derek, but it was clear it wasn't working. They knew what was coming, and Sieg did everything right. On and off the field, he was all class.

The Raiders arguably have the best K/P combo, and they let the "Third Musketeer," go. As I reported then, I had a current Raider player tell me: "Best K-P in the NFL, and you cut the third Musketeer, their dude, makes no sense."

I understand Dave Ziegler and Josh will do it their way, and that is fine. It was a tone-deaf move that created unnecessary controversy among their players.  

They wanted "Their guy," but what about their guys?

One agent told me (Not Trent's): "The Raiders are always about loyalty, and that move (Sieg) sent a statement that they aren't. That franchise has made it clear that it will be run like New England, cutthroat, which is fine, but now the players will treat the franchise the same way. It's a damn shame."

Raiders let @tsieg58 go. Fans won't care but remember this: If you know your LS, he isn't any good. "Best K-P in the NFL, and you cut the third Musketeer, their dude, makes no sense." (Current Raider) I get why the Raiders did it; think it is blind to their locker room. IMO

— Hondo Carpenter (@HondoCarpenter) March 20, 2023

Hondo, you said Jalen Carter was plummeting down draft boards. Recently there was a report that the Raiders had taken him off their draft board for the 7th pick, and there was a report Coach McDaniels said they hadn't. What is going on, I truth you. --Peggy H.

Carter is falling on NFL Draft boards, and the Raiders WILL NOT select him at number seven. Some teams might, but he is a risk.  Of course, Josh McDaniels would come out and say that wasn't accurate because, in an ideal world, the Raiders would love to trade their seventh overall pick for a bounty of more picks, and the more they act interested in multiple players, the more others will move up. The Raiders will not take Carter at seven, but they could at another place, depending on how far he drops.

Hondo, can you tell me your opinion around the NFL about the Raiders this offseason? --Much love Unc, D. Abbott

I thought this was a great question, so I asked two NFL Executives what their impression was. Both from successful franchise told me:

No. 1: "I think they have had a productive offseason, but I am not sure they have gotten any better?  You can't really judge them right now, but let it play out and ask me after the NFL Draft for better information."

No. 2: "I guess it has been good. It seems like it is a mad dash to sign anyone who spent any time in New England, and I understand that. But, they (Dave Ziegler, Josh McDaniels) they aren't going to buy themselves any love from the fan base if they lose. Can't say you don't have your guys? As far as getting better? I am not sure they got ahead but doesn't seem like they went backward. In fairness to Dave, he'll make his mark in the draft."

Hondo, I love your work but will never doubt you again. You said on the radio a few weeks ago about Brian Hoyer. --Good call, Max L.

He was a logical fit.

Hondo, you have been adamant about the Raiders not being willing to move up past the fifth spot in the NFL Draft and that you didn't think they wanted to move that far. Another media entity had them move to fourth to take an offensive lineman. Your thoughts? --Vincent M.

I do not rebuff other media. The Raiders are not looking to move up, and as stated many times, the highest would be five. 

Hondo, you reported long ago that the Raiders weren't shopping Hunter Renfrow, but that teams are interested. Any more news? What is the percentage change they trade him? --Dan M.

I did report that. Here are two key Tweets that I had:

Just spoke with two NFL Execs about my previous report that the Raiders were getting calls on Renfrow & listening. They said, "Not hearing anything imminent, but I would be shocked if he's a Raider when the season starts. A lot of smoke." We shall see, I will remain on it

— Hondo Carpenter (@HondoCarpenter) March 21, 2023

Need to make something CLEAR. If people are interested in Hunter Renfrow, it doesn't mean Raiders have any desire to move him. They AREN'T shopping him. Renfrow is a valuable asset.

— Hondo Carpenter (@HondoCarpenter) March 21, 2023

I don't know how to read this, so that I won't give a percentage. I am ONLY reporting what reliable people tell me. I do not believe the Raiders are shopping him or that they want to get rid of him. I do believe and know that there is interest in him.

Hondo, in the Raiders' minds, what do you think they want to do with their first pick? Trade it, use it, or move up? --Thank you, Kyle T.

Trade it.

Hondo, give me a name of a player you are looking forward to watching this season that maybe people aren't talking about. --Chris D.

Dylan Parham. He quietly had an amazing 2022 season. He is solid and is a long-term answer on the Raiders' OL. I like him personally and professionally. He is the real deal.  He is going to be a beast in 2023.

Mr. Carpenter. I love the idea of the Raiders trading either up or back to pick up the Tennessee QB (Hendon Hooker). You have put this in your Mock Drafts as well. What do you think are the odds of this happening? --Thank you, Mike G.

There is a very legitimate shot that they would select him, but it would have to be in the right spot. I know of two teams that think, had he not been hurt, he would be the best QB in the draft. He has a monster upside.

I'm enjoying your reporting on the LV Raiders. I'm a (very) long-time Raiders fan but a newcomer to coverage by SI. One of my favorite things is the Q&A. There's almost always a new insight, and the hate Hondo section is hilarious (even though I rarely get past the first sentence of any comment). --Will L.

Thank you for the kind words.

Now for our weekly Hondo hate email:

Hondo, the words I hate you are not strong enough. I loathe you are too nice. You Tweet how much you appreciate and love the fans and then report things from Josh McDaniels that hurt the team. You are a front for Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler, and I more than hate you and them. --Marty P.

Hondo, all anyone needs to do is read you for one week. You hate Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler and won't give them a chance. You are so in Mark Davis' pocket that you are pathetic. This franchise has great leaders in Josh and Dave, and your Pro-Mark Davis agenda will destroy them, which is exactly what Mark Davis wants. --Tony L.

Hondo, I hate all of you liberal hacks in the media. Because of your agenda, you are biased against anything good, destroying my team and the game I love. You suck, your politics suck, and your hatred of the Raiders sucks. Go cover something else. --Matt R.

You are a stupid loser. Not one cares about Brian Hoyer is a good guy. We had a good guy who is now a New Orleans Saint. Maybe your pal Mark Davis would have wanted him if you had heralded him as a good guy. God will never forgive my Raiders and you media scum bags for what you did to Derek Carr, and screw Brian Hoyer. --Dennis W.

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

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The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period began at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.

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