The Las Vegas Raiders are deeply focused on building their roster. Their HC Pete Carroll’s never been one for quick fixes. Back in his Seahawks days, when the Legion of Boom was still finding its teeth, Carroll famously told his defense, “Trust the process — the right guys will step up.” And they did. Unheralded names turned into stars, overlooked players became game-changers.

“We’re just in the midst of trying to find the puzzle pieces.” Now, in Las Vegas, Carroll’s back at it — piecing together his defense like a puzzle, waiting for the right piece to click. And just recently, one of those pieces — a player who made it clear he wanted more than just a roster spot — found his place on Carroll’s board. Carroll, who himself was hired by the team this offseason, is trying to find the perfect pieces to complete the team’s puzzle. And the start seems to be in the right direction, with the latest boost in their defense.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on X, “The #Raiders are keeping one of their own, as they’ve agreed to terms with standout DT Adam Butler.” Yes! Butler is going to be back with Pete Carroll’s team. So, how much is he going to get this time? As per Rapoport, “After a career year, Butler gets a 3-year deal worth $16.5M with $11M in guarantees to stay in Las Vegas, one negotiated by @CJLaBoy of @Wasserman.”

This offseason, Raiders defensive end Adam Butler expressed his desire to remain with the franchise. However, there was a condition. Butler signed a one-year deal last spring. So, now the man wished to see some more “respect” for himself from the team. And now it seems he has got it. After all, Butler is coming off of his best season as a pro in 2024. The stats say it all!

Pete Carroll’s re-signed player has recorded 65 total tackles (36 solo), including 5.0 sacks. Not only that! In a total of 17 games, Adam Butler had two passes defensed and a forced fumble. This illustrious profile of last year has now resulted in handsome money for him. Now with Carroll, the DT will be able to provide stability and leadership on the defensive line. But that doesn’t mean Carroll is just focused on his defensive team. He is also working something big for his offense – which has already started.

Pete Carroll is fixing the quarterback issue

It won’t be wrong to say that the Raiders are one team in the league that desperately needs a quarterback. Since Jimmy Garoppolo’s exit, no one has confidently picked up the QB role. But now, as Pete Carroll has come into the squad, things might get better—at least that’s the expectation for all.

Before the Raiders re-signed Adam Butler to strengthen their defense, Pete Carroll boosted his offense with quarterback Geno Smith. The quarterback was traded from the Seahawks on a third-rounder for pick no.92 in the 2025 NFL Draft. So, that means this will be their sixth season together after their Seahawks stint.

No doubt, Smith is happy to be back with HC Pete Carroll, and expressed his enthusiasm on social media. He wrote, “God is the GREATEST!! Excited to get to work and WIN. The time is NOW.” In the last season, the QB threw for 4,320 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. It was reminiscent of his sizzling 2022 form, when Smith amassed 30 passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions, along with 4,282 passing yards and a league-best 69.8 completion percentage. In addition, he led his team to the playoffs in his first season.

So, the same is expected this year too from the duo, at the Raiders. In double quick time to erase memories of their embarrassing 4-13 2024 record.