Geno Smith's latest outing vs. the Chargers isn’t the end of the Raiders’ quarterback debate, but a reminder that growth is needed with a young cast. The mailbag sees potential top-12 upside for Smith if he refines anticipation and decision-making. Ashton Jeanty’s burst stands out, yet eight missed tackles on 30 carries and an elite-but-necessary line improvement loom as the key to unlocking the Raiders’ rushing attack. The piece weighs interior-line shuffles, Parham’s role, and potential inserts as the season unfolds, using Barkley behind an elite line as a yardstick for what blocking can unlock. It also highlights Washington’s looming test and the ongoing push-pull across coaching decisions and personnel.

Overall, the message is cautious optimism: don’t panic over one game, but recognize the trenches must improve for the offense to reach its ceiling. The discussion points toward a real chance for incremental upgrades—from Putnam and Rogers to Powers-Johnson at center—and a few shuffles that could stabilize the Raiders’ run game and protect Smith as the season progresses.

Tristin McCollum was claimed by the Las Vegas Raiders off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles, bolstering a safety room that needed depth after trimming the 53-man roster. The move comes with familiarity between McCollum and the Raiders’ front office, and a clear aim to improve backend coverage behind Isaiah Pola-Mao.

McCollum spent two seasons with Philadelphia, rising from practice squad duties in 2023 to a 2024 season that included 14 regular-season games (two starts) and all four postseason contests. He totaled 36 tackles, two passes defensed, and three special-teams stops across 17 regular-season appearances. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Houston in 2022, is 6-3 and 195, and hails from Sam Houston State.