The Raiders lost on Monday Night Football to the Detroit Lions. It wasn't pretty, as the Raiders offense struggled despite Jimmy Garoppolo's return. Jimmy G doesn't seem to be the answer at quarterback, but Vegas doesn't have an out on Garoppolo's contract until 2025.
Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs voiced their frustration after the Raiders recent loss, and it shined a spotlight directly on Josh McDaniels.
It's not a shocker Vegas chose against making a major deadline deal, as they didn't want to trade away draft picks, but also McDaniels cannot afford to send away top talent. He is under the microscope, and for good reason -- he could very well be fired this offseason. With that in mind, there are several Raiders who remain on the team after the deadline, but won't be as lucky this offseason.
Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels will be fired this offseason
Josh McDaniels is in for a world of hurt if the Raiders cannot turn their season around. It's likely why the team did not trade off significant assets on Tuesday. They have plenty of pending free agents. McDaniels is in charge of the offensive play-calling, and something is amiss in Vegas.
McDaniels and the Raiders made the decision to move off of Derek Carr this past offseason. While Carr hasn't performed up to par in New Orleans, Vegas's offense hasn't looked quite right either. Garoppolo isn't much better, despite his New England connection with McDaniels. As FanSided's Josh Wilson noted, Davante Adams wasn't happy (again) after his one-catch, 11 yard performance against the Lions.
"I wish I had the words to say something that's not gonna get blown up in the media and taken out of context," Adams said. He also said he felt, "frustration." Overall, given the circumstances, probably the best you can expect from a frustrated star player after such a disappointing loss and disappointing individual game."
Jacobs, meanwhile, stated he wasn't responsible for the team's offensive philosophy. That short answer says a lot.
Raiders RB Josh Jacobs will not be back next season
Josh Jacobs was the NFL's leading rusher just a season ago, but his comments after the most recent Raiders loss, plus his contract suggest he's on the outs. Jacobs plays a position that isn't paid appropriately, but is also replaceable. If the Raiders were to move on from Jacobs they would likely just spend a mid-round pick to find a younger player willing to take the brunt of the workload.
Jacobs could surely find a home elsewhere, but not for a payday he seeks. He's not worth the franchise tag, which would put a major hit on the Raiders salary cap room.
Garoppolo tried to explain the Raiders struggles with a fairly pedestrian answer.
"You have," Garoppolo said, via Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. "Today was a bad day, there's no sugarcoating it. It is what it is. So, I've just got to play better. Myself, I have to play better. A bunch of little things that will solve a lot of problems. It starts with me. We've got to be better, and we will be."
That, uh, won't be enough to please Jacobs, who has seen his production vary from week to week.
Davante Adams should be traded this offseason
Davante Adams is one of the best wide receivers in football, but he's stuck in an environment which does not suit him. Adams could have landed the Raiders some top draft picks. Yet, Vegas decided against trading him elsewhere at the deadline.
Adams is 31 years old and is surely regretting his choice to leave Green Bay in the first place. At the time, he wanted to play with good friend Derek Carr.
"I came here to play with Derek. I can't say I would have been here if he wasn't here... No regrets at the end of the day. If we lost every game I wouldn't say I regret my decision because in life you drive yourself crazy if you live that way" Adams said just a few days ago.
Adams camp approached the Raiders about a trade just a few weeks ago, but it quickly became clear they were not open to dealing him. If that frustration boils over as the season ends, expect him to be one of the top weapons available this offseason.