As the Las Vegas Raiders revealed their initial 53-man roster and practice squad, this process marked a new chapter for John Spytek in his 21-year NFL scouting career.
Though not new to roster decisions, this is the first time Spytek has been the one in charge. With Pete Carroll working alongside him, Spytek took on the lead role in shaping the team’s roster—something he hadn’t done before, despite contributing heavily in previous roles, including during his time under Jason Licht with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“The biggest difference for me is that now, I’m the one making the final call,” Spytek said. “When it comes down to personnel, it’s really between Pete and me. The hardest part was talking to the players we had to cut. That’s a new experience. Before, I might’ve just delivered the news—but now, I’m the reason behind it.”
Some of those roster cuts included tough choices. Nine of the Raiders’ 11 draft picks made the team, while Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott were waived. Miller returned to the practice squad, while the team chose not to retain Mellott—at least for now. Spytek left the door open for a possible return.
Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Miller will continue developing behind newly acquired Kenny Pickett, whom Spytek traded for on Tuesday. Pickett, formerly with the Steelers, will serve as backup to Geno Smith while Aidan O’Connell recovers from injury.
“I remember when Pickett beat us in Tampa in 2022—beat Tom Brady,” Spytek recalled. “He fits our profile. He moves well, much like Geno, and gives us a reliable option until Aidan’s healthy. It’s a lot to ask a rookie from North Dakota State to be QB2 in New England Week 1.”
Spytek also addressed the decision to waive Thayer Munford Jr. in favor of adding swing tackle Stone Forsythe, originally drafted by Carroll in Seattle. In a high-profile move, the team also signed five-time Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper, who began his career with the Raiders in 2015.
“Cooper’s ability to make tough, contested catches has always stood out,” Spytek said. “Whether you’re fast or not, you have to win those battles at this level, and he’s proven he can. We expect him to be a major part of the game plan in New England next week.”
While the roster will undoubtedly evolve in the coming weeks, Spytek feels good about where things stand heading into his first season as general manager.
“I wanted this job because I’m not afraid of tough decisions,” he said. “I know I won’t get them all right—I’ve made mistakes before and learned from them. That’s how you grow. If we got some things wrong this month, we’ll learn from it and improve.”