Since the beginning of October, Rob Leonard's defense has been reeling. The skeptics who thought he would struggle as a first-time play caller are growing more convinced in their takes, and the Las Vegas Raiders' postseason chances are dwindling with each loss.
If things continue to trend downward so dramatically, John Spytek and the front office may be forced to do something as soon as the season ends, unless drastic changes occur between now and then. And Leonard looks like an obvious scapegoat, as things stand right now.
In the team's current four-game losing streak, Leonard's defense has given up nearly 36 points per contest. Entering Week 8 of the season, they rank third-worst in total defense and just as bad in the rushing category.
Leonard's unit also ranks 29th in points allowed and just surrendered a season-high in points to the Los Angeles Rams' offense. The schedule ahead doesn't do him any favors either, with San Francisco, Seattle, Denver (twice) and Kansas City still left on it.
So, Jim Schwartz may be a realistic candidate after the season.
Hiring Jim Schwartz at DC could make the Raiders an instant contender
Schwartz is still under contract with the Cleveland Browns right now, but they have a team option for 2027. Considering things are going surprisingly well for the Browns, the team is unlikely to pick up his option and screw him over. If anything, the Raiders would just have to go through Jimmy Haslam.
And it may be worth the trouble, as Schwartz molded the Browns - yes, the Browns - into a top-10 defense. Without him, they are winning, and they don't really need his services anymore, so it feels like there is close to a zero percent chance that Cleveland wants to keep him under contract.
Going into the offseason, the Raiders have some cap room to make some more splashes in free agency to bolster the defense, especially on the edge if they deal away Maxx Crosby at the trade deadline.
They may add to this list of resources with a potential top-10 pick, which they could use to select a promising young defender as well. Paying Schwartz very handsomely and dedicating the offseason to retooling the defense would make Las Vegas a very attractive destination for him.
Schwartz could very well be the hottest free-agent coach on the block as soon as the season culminates. So, if things continue to go south with Rob Leonard, then the Raiders must consider him as their next defensive coordinator.
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