The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly very interested in Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, whose team was unexpectedly eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday by the Washington Commanders.
Johnson is said to be equally interested in the Raiders. This potential connection could be strengthened by a possible general manager candidate recently named by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter on Sunday—Lance Newmark, the assistant general manager of the Commanders.
“Raiders are interviewing former Lions executive and current Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark today for their general manager job, per sources,” Schefter shared on X, previously known as Twitter. “Newmark spent 26 seasons in Detroit before joining Washington last year, and is said to have a strong relationship with both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.”
Newmark played a key role in the Commanders’ full organizational overhaul and their remarkable turnaround that has taken them to the conference championship game. With his extensive NFL experience and a successful track record with both the Lions and Commanders, Newmark’s credentials could make him an appealing candidate for the Raiders.
The Raiders are looking to align a head coach and general manager in a way that feels natural, which is why they parted ways with Tom Telesco. Johnson’s existing relationship with Newmark could be a deciding factor in whether the Raiders hire the Commanders’ assistant GM, as it might be difficult to find another candidate Johnson would prefer more.
With the Lions now out of the playoffs, expect the Raiders’ pursuit of Johnson to intensify quickly.
As Hondo Carpenter has reported, the Raiders are prepared to invest heavily to bring Johnson on board, and his respect for minority owner Tom Brady could also play a crucial role.
“I have seen people saying it would probably take six years, $60 million fully guaranteed, I have had people quietly tell me for someone to get Ben Johnson it would maybe be six years at $90 million,” Carpenter mentioned. “$15 million a year guarantee… The exact answer I was given was ‘If Ben Johnson isn’t the coach of the Raiders, the reason will have nothing to do with money.’ There you go. The Raiders are willing to spend what they have to spend to go get their guy. If you’re concerned about the Raiders going cheap… that will be of no concern with the Raiders. I am not implying that Ben is going to get it, I am simply telling you that he is the lead guy.”
