Raiders Rebuild Takes Shape: Raiders’ GM John Spytek Builds on Existing Roster with Eye on Continuity

The Las Vegas Raiders entered this offseason with yet another new regime. It marks the third one in almost as many years, which is just not a healthy thing for a franchise, and it’s a bad look. But, most importantly, the turnover can hurt a team in year one.

When former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll sat next to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek at their introductory press conference, they both preached the idea that continuity would be important. And, it’s especially important, and really the only area that it’s important, when it pertains to the defense. Last season, and the year before that, the Raiders had either an elite defense or one of the league’s best. The offense has killed any idea of a postseason berth both years, too.

Bringing back some guys who were a part of that is key. And, no you cannot bring everyone back, as we have already seen with teams like the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots overpaying the Raiders UFAs. But, since they do have some depth issues on the defensive line, they can bring back some of the guys who played a role there last year, and so far they have with Adam Butler and Zach Carter.

Now, it’s another guy who played in Silver and Black last season.

Raiders re-sign Matthew Butler

According to the transaction wire, the Raiders are re-signing Matthew Butler.

The Raiders drafted Butler in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 175th overall. In his rookie year, he played six games, making five tackles, a half-sack, and one quarterback hit. His first sack came against the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2022, shared with teammate Clelin Ferrell. In 2023, he played just two games and had one tackle. On March 26, 2025, he signed his exclusive rights tender to stay with the Raiders for another season.

Butler is 6’4” and 295 pounds, with the size to play different spots on the defensive line. He’s not a starter yet, but his college stats and early NFL moments show he could be a solid backup.

Going into his third season in 2025, he needs to step up to earn more playing time. With two years left on his rookie deal after 2023, he’ll aim to prove himself on the Raiders’ defense.