Raiders have to be all in for 2021 season and not looking ahead to 2022

There has been media speculation that the Las Vegas Raiders may be aiming more toward the 2022 season rather than the upcoming season by the way they are handling free agency — and by the way they dismantled their offensive line, especially as the Raiders are set up to have a lot of salary cap room next year.

I’m not sure if that is the case. But let me tell you, if that really is the deal, it is total B.S on the Raiders’ part.

They MUST be focused on this season, and ere are the reasons why it has to be the priority for coach Jon Gruden and the Raiders.

The NFL is year-to-year:
The future is now in this league. Teams that don’t try to improve every year are an embarrassment. We see surprise teams every year ... fast improvements can and do happen.

This is a big year for Gruden:
This is the fourth year for Gruden in his return to the Raiders, in which he is 19-29. Four years for any coach is enough. Frankly, if Gruden doesn’t lead the team to the playoffs this season, he deserves to be fired. He won’t be, but if he can’t get it done then he should be. He has already tore this roster down to meet his needs before. He can’t do it again. It’s time for a playoff push.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The fans:
This great fan base is tired of rebuilds and waiting ‘til next year. It wants results. Fans are finally expected in the seats at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this season. They deserve a strong product and a commitment from the franchise.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Derek Carr:
Carr is turning 30 this month. This is his prime. You don’t waste a year of a quarterback’s prime.

No promises:
Banking on a future year in the NFL is idiotic. You have no idea what the future holds. Most teams in the NFL will be in good cap shape in 2022. So there is no guarantee the Raiders will get great players in free agency next year. Plus, injuries happen. What if the Raiders go all in for 2022, and their key players all get hurt? Plan for the now not the future.

CONCLUSION:
This is 2021 and this season is all that matters for the franchise right now. Hopefully that is indeed the team’s plan.