So far, the Raiders’ summer has included something their supporters aren’t used to and haven’t experienced in months: hope.
After one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory – which is saying something – the Raiders have been one of the teams to benefit from the offseason, thanks in large part to Tom Brady. Brady, who purchased a minority stake in the team last year, has played an important role in the search for a new coach and general manager, which has already yielded results.
According to rumors, Brady’s influence has put the Raiders in position to choose the top head coaching candidate this year. Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, is now officially available for employment, and Adam Schefter claimed on Sunday morning that Johnson will depart Detroit to take a head coaching position.
Johnson is apparently looking to be partnered with a GM with whom he gets along well, which leads us to our next Great Piece Of Raiders News. According to Adam Schefter, the Raiders intend to interview former Lions and current Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark. Newmark has been in DC for the past year, but he spent the previous 25 years in Detroit, where he grew close to Johnson.
The Raiders’ recent GM interview has strong ties to Lions’ OC Ben Johnson.
According to reports, the Raiders are interviewing Lance Newmark, a former Lions executive and current Commanders assistant GM, for the position of general manager.
Newmark spent 26 seasons in Detroit before joining Washington last year. He is thought to have a close relationship with both Ben. pic.twitter.com/yfwGg7L9w6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter), January 19, 2025
Aside from his relationship with Johnson, the success of Detroit and the Commanders this season speaks well of Newmark. But it’s largely excellent news for one clear reason: he’s close to Johnson. If the allegations regarding Johnson’s GM preferences are correct, it makes perfect sense to choose someone he knows and works well with.
And, at the risk of losing my skis, it also signals that the Raiders remain the frontrunners to sign Johnson. He will conduct in-person interviews with the Raiders, Bears, and Jaguars this week, but Chicago and Jacksonville already have general managers. In theory, this would give the Raiders an even bigger advantage over their opponents.
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