The Las Vegas Raiders are set to release center Andre James as the new league year approaches. After spending six seasons with the Raiders, including four as a starter, James faced injury setbacks that cost him his position last season. Despite receiving a two-year extension prior to free agency, he will hit the open market when it begins. The team appears confident in Jackson Powers-Johnson, who filled in for James last year and has impressed with his performance at center, after transitioning from guard. Although he experienced some challenges at the position, Powers-Johnson showcased his potential as a reliable run-blocker and pass protector. The Raiders' decision to part ways with James reflects their commitment to Powers-Johnson as the long-term solution at center, which could lead to a breakout year for him in 2024.

The Las Vegas Raiders are actively searching for a new general manager, with John Spytek of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerging as an early candidate. Additionally, Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Green Bay Packers' Vice President of Player Personnel, has garnered attention following a request for an interview from the Raiders.

Sullivan's experience in player scouting and drafting has positioned him as a prominent figure, particularly after successfully identifying key players like Kenny Clark and Aaron Jones. His tenure with the Packers has spanned nearly two decades, exhibiting his deep understanding of football operations.

As the Raiders look to revamp their management, interest in Sullivan has also been expressed by the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets. The franchise is intent on pairing their new general manager with an ideal head coach, with Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, emerging as a strong candidate.

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move by firing general manager Tom Telesco, just days after parting ways with head coach Antonio Pierce. This decision reflects the franchise's growing impatience, as both Telesco and Pierce had only one season with the team. While Telesco did manage to draft standout players such as Brock Bowers and Jackson Powers-Johnson, the lack of a franchise quarterback ultimately led to his dismissal.

Critics, including NBC Sports' Mike Florio, speculate that minority owner Tom Brady may have influenced the firing, suggesting that it was a strategic move to allow the next head coach to select their own personnel executive. The Raiders' approach seems to indicate a desire for a more stable and experienced leadership as they search for a new head coach and a reliable franchise quarterback.

The 2024 NFL rookie class has made an impressive impact on their teams, with standout performances across various positions. Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, finished fifth in overall rankings, leading his team to an unexpected playoff berth. Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged as the top rookie running back, showcasing both rushing and receiving skills that bolstered his team's late-season momentum.

Wide receivers Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Ladd McConkey also made their mark, with Nabers earning the highest grade among rookies, while tight end Brock Bowers set records for a debut season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Offensive tackles JC Latham and Joe Alt demonstrated their potential, and guards Jackson Powers-Johnson and Dominick Puni stood out in their respective teams.

Defensively, edge rusher Jared Verse made waves with the Los Angeles Rams, achieving a remarkable pass-rush grade for a rookie. T’Vondre Sweat and Braden Fiske solidified their roles on the defensive line, while linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Payton Wilson showcased their capabilities. In the secondary, cornerbacks Jarrian Jones, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean displayed impressive coverage skills, rounding out a talented rookie class. Special teams also featured notable performances, with kicker Cam Little of the Jacksonville Jaguars leading the pack.

PFF's NFL Week 17 Team of the Week has been unveiled, showcasing standout players based on performance grades and snap counts. The selections highlight those who not only excelled in their individual performances but also demonstrated consistency over a significant number of plays. The criteria emphasize the importance of maintaining high performance levels, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Leading the offensive lineup is quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals, who delivered an outstanding performance against the Denver Broncos, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards. His efforts were pivotal in keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Joining him in the offensive spotlight are notable players like Derrick Henry from the Baltimore Ravens and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers from the New York Giants, who had a remarkable game against the Indianapolis Colts.

On the defensive side, edge rusher Nolan Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant impact against the Dallas Cowboys, achieving an impressive run-defense grade. His ability to disrupt plays was complemented by strong performances from other defensive players, including Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos. The special teams also made their mark with standout players like kicker Cam Little from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This week's selections demonstrate the depth of talent across the league, with players rising to the occasion in critical moments as the season heads into its final stretch.