The latest name to enter the search for the next general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders is the most telling one yet.
The Raiders have either interviewed or requested to interview five candidates for the position so far. Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek is considered a frontrunner due to his connections with minority owner Tom Brady, and New York Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown and Los Angeles Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander are scheduled for in-person interviews on Monday.
Before Brown and Alexander interview, however, the Raiders have started their pursuit of another option.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders have conducted an interview with Washington Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark.
Raiders are interviewing former Lions executive and current Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark today for their general manager job, per sources.
Newmark spent 26 seasons in Detroit before joining Washington last year, and is said to have a strong relationship with both Ben… pic.twitter.com/yfwGg7L9w6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2025
Newmark is a veteran NFL executive, working in front offices for 29 years. Most of that time was spent with the Detroit Lions, where he has overseen both the college and pro scouting departments as senior director of player personnel.
Newmark was hired this past offseason by Commanders GM Adam Peters, meaning his fingerprints are not only on the 15-win top seed in the NFC, but also on the team that ultimately defeated them in the playoffs.
What makes Newmark an interesting choice for Raiders GM is his connections to the team’s coaching candidates. The Raiders have conducted interviews with both Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, with Johnson being the current favorite to become the next head coach.
This is a significant development, as reports have come out saying Johnson is likely leaving the Lions for a head coaching job. He plans to interview with the Raiders this week, as well as with the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ben Johnson will officially be leaving the Lions to become a head coach, per @AdamSchefter.
Johnson will schedule final interviews with the Bears, Jaguars and Raiders before making a decision later this week.
Detroit averaged 33.1 points this season to lead the NFL. @PFN365 pic.twitter.com/wnE6dOcJZC
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 19, 2025
The Raiders have been doing everything in their power to sway Johnson to come to Las Vegas, and the fact that Newmark is now an option is a sign that the team may be looking at the two as a package deal.
