Another year, same issue: How the Raiders can spark return units

Tom McMahon’s special teams group in dire need of electricity

With Pete Carroll’s arrival as the new sheriff in town, several aspects of the Las Vegas Raiders coaching staff changed as a result.

One group that remained intact: Special Teams.

Tom McMahon was retained by Carroll as special teams coordinator and his assistants, Kade Rannings and Derius Swinton II are back, too.

While that trio is in charge of a kicking battery of place kicker Daniel Carlson, punter AJ Cole III, and long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer — who are one of the best at their respective positions — there’s a key aspect McMahon and his cohort need to improve upon: Return game.

The 2024 campaign was another season with the same issue — the return units need a spark and electricity to truly contribute to complementary football. The Raiders ranked 15th in punt return yards (264; with the Detroit Lions tops at 479 yards and a touchdown) while finishing 23rd in kick return yards (680; the Cincinnati Bengals led league with 1,133 yards and a score with the Dallas Cowboys next at 1,091 yards and two touchdowns).

Fortunately for McMahon, Rannings, and Swinton, Las Vegas has in-house, free agency, and 2025 NFL Draft options to provide a much-needed jolt. Let’s take a look:

In House

Tre Tucker

Heading into year three after getting picked in the third round (100th overall) of the 2023 draft, it’s high time this Raiders coaching staff get the most return on investment (ROI) out of the speedy wide receiver. Well-built at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, the fleet-footed Tucker is the deep threat playmaker at wide receiver, but it’s ample time use that explosiveness in the return game.

He only got eight opportunities to return punts in 2024 (72 yards, long of 21) and didn’t get a chance to return a kickoff. He was a very productive kick return man at Cincinnati (67 returns, 1,670 yards, two touchdowns), so getting Tucker in the mix on special teams in 2025 should be a must-do.

Dylan Laube

Fumbling issues may have eroded Laube’s participation on offense in 2024 (when your first and only carry in the NFL is a fumble, that happens), but the sixth round pick (208th overall) in the 2024 draft has the collegiate production to be a productive return specialist in the pros.

Returning six kicks in his rookie year for 164 yards, with a long of 59 yards (above), the running back should be given every opportunity to earn return opportunities this offseason. Laube produced at New Hampshire as both kick (2,180 yards and two touchdowns) and punt (426 yards, two touchdowns) returner for the Wildcats.

Free Agency

Ameer Abdullah

At age 31, the veteran tailback had his most productive season in Year 10 on offense and special teams. He paced the Raiders in kick return yards (296; long of 68) to go along with 311 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and 261 yards and three scores as a receiver.

He’s an unrestricted free agent that isn’t going to break the bank. And Las Vegas does lack experience and depth a tailback, so a return could happen.

DJ Turner

Okay, this is more of an in-house free agents than anything, but like Abdullah, Turner is a player the special teams group is familiar with.

With his speed, the 28-year-old wide receiver is an effective gunner and got work in as a return man (four kick returns for 106 yards; seven punt returns for 77 yards) before being shelved in December with a knee injury. He’s a restricted free agent that is most likely to return on one-year deal.

Draft

Courtney Jackson

Pacing the nation with 277 yards and two touchdowns on 15 punt returns, this Arkansas State wide receiver made the opposition pay when they booted him the ball and didn’t hold up well in punt coverage.

Earning Sun Belt Conference special teams honors, the Red Wolves’ return man showcased elusiveness, vision, and speed. So there’s potential to be a late-round, undrafted gem.

Chris Carpenter

The Raiders are no strangers to UTSA Roadrunners who can make an impact (running back Sincere McCormick). Carpenter is another one who could provide some juice as a late-rounder or undrafted free agent.

As one of the leaders in the nation with two kick returns for touchdowns (five returns, 261 yards, 52.5 average per return), this wide receiver displays similar explosion and electricity bringing back kicks. Carpenter is also an experienced punt returner (40 for 233 yards and a score).

Virgil Lemons

Now here’s a prospect that would highlight general manager John Spytek noting the Raiders would look anywhere and everywhere for talent.

The Division II product out of University of West Florida may be a defensive back by trade but where he was most productive was as a punt returner. Producing a D-II leading 602 yards (25 plus average), he housed two punts for scores with his longest being an 86-yard scamper to the end zone. Lemons has potential to be a true late-round or undrafted diamond.