The silver and black might need to start checking for hints of lime green in their laundry. It’s no secret that the NFL is a "who you know" league, but what’s happening in the desert right now is basically a Pacific Northwest family reunion. The Las Vegas Raiders just added another familiar face to the mix, continuing a trend that has fans and analysts calling them "Seattle South."
In the latest move of a very busy January 2026, the Raiders sign former Seahawks player Phillip Dorsett II to a reserve/future contract. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Dorsett has been everywhere. He was a first-round pick for Indy, a Super Bowl winner with the Pats, and yeah, he spent a significant chunk of time in Seattle.
But he isn't the only one. Not by a long shot.
The Pete Carroll Effect: Bringing the Band Back Together
Honestly, you've gotta look at who's running the show to understand the strategy. Pete Carroll is the head coach of the Raiders now. He didn't just bring his energy and his gum-chewing habit to Vegas; he brought his contact list.
When Carroll took the job, the first thing he did was look for guys who already spoke his language. NFL playbooks are basically like learning a new dialect of a foreign language every time you switch teams. By signing guys he’s already coached, Pete skips the "getting to know you" phase.
👉 See also: Why the 2025 NFL Draft Class is a Total Headache for Scouts
Who else moved from Seattle to Vegas?
It's actually kinda wild when you list them out. We're not just talking about practice squad bodies. We're talking about the core of the offense and defense.
- Geno Smith: The biggest domino. The Raiders traded a 2025 third-round pick to get Geno under center. He’s the undisputed leader of this Carroll-led reboot.
- Tyler Lockett: After a brief and forgettable stint in Tennessee, Lockett reunited with Pete and Geno in late 2025. It was like they never left Lumen Field.
- Jamal Adams: The safety/linebacker hybrid who has struggled with injuries but remains a Carroll favorite. He's been looking more like his old self in the Raiders' defensive scheme.
- Jon Rhattigan: A depth linebacker Pete loved in Seattle for his special teams motor and reliability.
- McClendon Curtis: A massive offensive lineman who the Raiders actually just re-signed to a futures deal for 2026 alongside Dorsett.
Is "Seattle South" Actually a Good Strategy?
That’s the million-dollar question. Or more accurately, the $45 million question if you're looking at Geno Smith's contract.
There’s a real risk here. Some critics argue that Pete is just clinging to the past. They see a roster filled with "discarded" Seahawks and wonder if the Raiders are just becoming a retirement home for guys whose best years are in the rearview mirror.
But there’s a flip side. Continuity matters.
✨ Don't miss: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
The Raiders are in the middle of a massive coaching search for their next offensive coordinator—interviews are currently being held with guys like Joe Brady and Klay Kubiak. Having a veteran presence like Phillip Dorsett or Tyler Lockett means whoever takes that job has players who can help mentor the younger guys like Brenden Rice (who also just signed a futures deal).
The Phillip Dorsett Factor
Let's talk about Dorsett for a second. At 33, he isn't the burner he was when he came out of Miami. He’s a savvy vet. He knows how to find the soft spot in a zone.
By signing him to a reserve/future deal on January 5, 2026, the Raiders are basically saying, "We want you in camp." These deals are essentially a low-risk way to fill the 90-man roster for the summer. If he’s got juice left, he makes the team. If not, it cost them next to nothing.
What the Raiders Sign Former Seahawks Player Move Tells Us About 2026
It tells us Pete Carroll isn't changing. He believes in his system. He believes in his people.
🔗 Read more: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
The Raiders finished last season in a bit of a tailspin, marred by injuries to stars like Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers. They ended up with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. That is a massive opportunity to reset the franchise.
But while the draft is for the future, these signings—the Geno Smiths, the Tyler Locketts, and even the Phillip Dorsetts—are about the "now." Pete Carroll is 74 years old. He isn't interested in a five-year rebuild. He wants guys who can win a game on Sunday because they already know exactly what he’s going to ask of them on Wednesday.
Key Takeaways for Raiders Fans
If you're trying to figure out what this means for the upcoming season, here's the reality:
- Trust the Chemistry: The Geno-to-Lockett connection is real. They have years of banked reps. That’s something you can’t buy in free agency usually.
- Veteran Leadership: With a lot of young talent coming in via the draft (including that #1 pick), having vets like Dorsett around helps set the "culture" Pete is obsessed with.
- Low Risk, High Potential: Most of these reserve/future signings won't make the final 53-man roster. But if one or two do, it’s a massive win for the front office.
Basically, the Raiders are betting on familiarity. It’s a polarizing move, especially since the "Patriots West" experiment under Josh McDaniels failed so spectacularly. But Pete Carroll has a Super Bowl ring and a track record of winning. If he thinks the Seahawks' old ingredients can make a winning stew in Las Vegas, fans are just going to have to wait and see if it tastes any better than last year's 4-13 season.
To keep a close eye on the roster as it evolves toward training camp, you should track the Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) like Kyu Blu Kelly and Charles Snowden. Their status, combined with these veteran "Seattle South" additions, will determine exactly how much room the Raiders have to play with during the main free agency period in March.