The Las Vegas Raiders are aiming for a significant turnaround after years of instability at quarterback. The recent trade for veteran signal-caller Geno Smith signals a new chapter for the franchise, providing much-needed stability at the position. At 34, Smith may not be an elite quarterback, but he offers a solid option and veteran leadership crucial to the Raiders' locker room. Analysts suggest his presence could lead to a notable improvement in their offensive game, especially with talents like tight end Brock Bowers leading the charge.

Despite having a promising young core, including Bowers, the Raiders need to enhance their roster further, particularly at the skill positions. Smith's familiarity with head coach Pete Carroll will help ease his transition to the team. However, the Raiders still have work to do in the offseason to ensure Smith is supported with adequate offensive firepower, aiming for a competitive edge in a tough AFC landscape.

Navigating the tight-end position in dynasty fantasy football proves challenging, with volatility stemming mainly from touchdown dependence. However, emerging talents like Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and Sam LaPorta signal a competitive shift. Bowers made waves with a record-setting 110 receptions, demonstrating exceptional potential despite the Raiders' struggling offense. Meanwhile, McBride's rise, featuring significant yardage and usage metrics, positions him as a strong contender moving forward, though concerns about touchdown counts remain. LaPorta, hailed as a former TE1, aims to rebound after a rocky sophomore season marked by inconsistent target share. As we consider who will ascend as TE1 in dynasty formats by 2025, these three players remain central to discussions.

As the fantasy football offseason heats up, identifying tight ends for your best ball drafts is crucial. Top targets include Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders, who emerged as a fantasy superstar last season, finishing as TE1 with impressive stats. George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers continues to defy age, consistently delivering top-tier performances. In the mid-rounds, Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens showed resilience, bouncing back after a rough start to his season. For late-round options, Jake Ferguson of the Dallas Cowboys and Cole Kmet of the Chicago Bears are intriguing, with Kmet poised for a rebound under new coaching. Best ball leagues reward consistency, making these players solid picks as you prepare for the season ahead.

The Las Vegas Raiders faced a challenging 2024 season, finishing at 4-13 under head coach Antonio Pierce, who was replaced by Pete Carroll. The team's quarterback situation was tumultuous, with Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O'Connell, and Desmond Ridder sharing time due to injuries and inconsistent performances. The Raiders fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy mid-season, leaving them struggling for stability. Despite winning two of their last three games, they missed out on a top draft pick.

In an offseason filled with changes, Carroll's arrival and the acquisition of veteran quarterback Geno Smith from Seattle could provide much-needed stability. The Raiders secured a significant contract extension for defensive star Maxx Crosby, ensuring a foundational piece for their defense. With approximately $96 million in cap space, Las Vegas is well-positioned to address key needs at running back, wide receiver, and along the offensive line as they aim to revitalize their roster.

In an unprecedented turn of events in the 2024 NFL season, tight ends defied expectations, with rookies and underperformers rising to the challenge. Brock Bowers, a standout rookie with the Las Vegas Raiders, emerged as the top tight end (TE1), showcasing versatility and reliability. Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins delivered a career-best season, finishing as TE4. Zach Ertz, now with the Washington Commanders, demonstrated he still has gas left in the tank, bouncing back from injury to post impressive stats. Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers made noise despite fierce competition, while Cade Otton from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed flashes of promise. Lastly, Mike Gesicki reinvented himself with the Cincinnati Bengals, proving doubters wrong. This year's tight end landscape was anything but predictable.