As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the 2025 season, the franchise is shifting its focus toward building a sustainable and disciplined identity — especially on the defensive side of the ball. Under new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, the Silver and Black made it clear they won’t be handing out oversized contracts just to keep familiar faces. Instead, the Raiders chose targeted signings that align with their long-term vision.
That vision includes remaking the secondary, which has undergone a quiet but meaningful overhaul.
Las Vegas Raiders Safety Shakeup: Pola-Mao Takes the Lead
Among the most intriguing developments is the elevation of Isaiah Pola-Mao, who is expected to lead the way at safety after the departure of Tre’von Moehrig in free agency. Pola-Mao showed flashes last season of being ready to take the next step, and now he’ll get the opportunity to prove himself as a full-time starter.
Joining him in the backfield is veteran Jeremy Chinn, brought in to provide both leadership and physicality. The combination of Pola-Mao’s upside and Chinn’s experience creates a foundation that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will look to maximize. Graham has earned praise in recent years for getting the most out of his units — a trend the Raiders hope continues in 2025.
Depth and Development: Keep an Eye on Thomas Harper
While the top of the safety depth chart seems set, there’s intrigue further down as well. One name to watch is Thomas Harper, a former Notre Dame standout who’s quietly turning heads inside the building. Raiders insider Hondo Carpenter recently discussed Harper’s potential on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast.
“Then I want to talk to you about a kid that … I really like him,” said Carpenter. “Just watching the film. This young man played at Notre Dame, Thomas Harper. He intrigues them a little bit… He has to have big OTAs, big mandatory minicamp, and then come into training camp and get a fast start. I am going to be watching him super close.”
Carpenter added,
“But he just has enough there. Just something there that says, that is a football player now. He is not polished. Needs to be developed, but he got something.”
Harper likely won’t be counted on for starting duties right away, but in a defense undergoing transition, opportunity can come quickly — especially for a player who’s already drawing internal buzz.
Building the Right Way
The Raiders may have lost key names in free agency, but they didn’t lose direction. Carroll and Spytek’s approach is less about headlines and more about fit, discipline, and player development. If Pola-Mao can ascend, Chinn brings stability, and Harper emerges as a contributor, Las Vegas could quietly turn its safety group into a strength.
And with Patrick Graham steering the unit once again, don’t be surprised if the Raiders’ new identity starts right in the secondary.