The long-awaited 2025 NFL regular season is just around the corner and the Las Vegas Raiders’ 53-man roster is finally taking shape. Excitement and anticipation are high as fans eagerly await the team’s first game in their new home, Allegiant Stadium. However, with the final roster cuts being made, there were some unexpected and surprising decisions that have left fans and experts alike scratching their heads.
The Raiders, who have been on a rebuilding journey since their relocation to Las Vegas, made some bold moves in the off-season to strengthen their roster. The selection of highly-touted rookie quarterback, Michael Jennings, in the first round of the draft was seen as a key piece in the team’s future plans. And with veteran quarterback Derek Carr still at the helm, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Jennings to learn and develop while also providing a strong backup option.
However, with just days before the start of the regular season, the Raiders made the shocking decision to cut Jennings from the final roster. This move has left many wondering about the future of the franchise and the reasoning behind this surprising decision. After all, Jennings had shown immense potential during the pre-season, impressing coaches and fans with his arm strength and accuracy.
But it wasn’t just Jennings who was shown the door. Another surprising cut was explosive wide receiver, Jake Anderson, who had been with the Raiders since 2021. Anderson had been a consistent performer for the team, making key catches and providing a much-needed deep threat on offence. His chemistry with Carr and his ability to stretch the field made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the team.
So why were these two promising young players cut from the final roster? The answer lies in the depth and talent of the Raiders’ roster. With the free agent signings of veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Raiders now have an abundance of talent at these positions. It seems that the team’s management felt that these two established players would provide a better immediate impact than the rookies, and thus made the difficult decision to part ways with Jennings and Anderson.
But despite the shock and disappointment of these cuts, there is still a lot of optimism and excitement surrounding the Raiders’ roster. With the addition of Watson and Smith-Schuster, the team now has a dynamic and dangerous offence to complement their already strong defense. Led by the ever-reliable Carr, this team has the potential to make a deep playoff run and bring home a Super Bowl championship to their new city.
And while the final roster cuts may have been surprising, it’s important to remember that these decisions were made with the long-term success of the team in mind. The Raiders’ management has shown that they are not afraid to make bold moves in order to build a winning culture and championship-caliber team. And with a well-balanced mix of experienced veterans and talented young players, the Raiders are poised to make a strong impact in the 2025 season.
So while it may be difficult to see promising players like Jennings and Anderson let go, it’s important to have faith in the team’s management and trust that they have the best interests of the franchise at heart. As the Raiders prepare for their inaugural season in Las Vegas, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive team that has the potential to bring home the coveted Lombardi trophy. The 2025 season is shaping up to be an unforgettable one for the Raiders and their fans, and the final roster cuts have only added to the anticipation and excitement.
