Latest Raiders, Ben Johnson rumors are very positive for Las Vegas' pursuit

It was once widely thought that the Las Vegas Raiders probably didn't have much of a chance to land Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is arguably the hottest head-coaching candidate in this year's cycle.

In fact, Johnson wasn't even going to take the interview with Las Vegas before Tom Brady worked his magic and, through back channels, convinced Johnson to take the interview, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

Now, a handful of days after Johnson interviewed for the Raiders' job, the idea of the Lions offensive coordinator picking the Raiders as his destination continues to pick up steam.

One of the latest examples of the hype building comes from the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore, who says that "a lot of momentum building" for the Raiders to land Johnson.

A lot of momentum building for Ben Johnson & @Raiders.

Then, there's Vic Tafur of The Athletic, who reports that Johnson is "seriously considering" the Raiders.

"Johnson wants to be a head coach, but is waiting for the right opportunity,"Tafur wrote. "That’s why it has come as a surprise to some that he’s seriously considering the Raiders."

While the Raiders don't have a quarterback in place like Johnson's other suitors, the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas does offer a blank slate.

On top of having quarterbacks already, the Bears and Jags have general managers in place who worked with the previous head coach. Meanwhile, the Raiders don't have that situation, so Las Vegas can match Johnson with who he wants.

Furthermore, Las Vegas is set with a high draft pick (No. 6 overall) that could allow Johnson to pick his quarterback, and the Raiders have a ton of cap space, with Over the Cap projecting $92.5 million for 2025, the second-most in the NFL.

For those Raiders fans who want to see Johnson as the team's next head coach, it's certainly fair to be cautiously optimistic that it might happen.

Unfortunately, it may be some time before we get the final answer on Johnson, as he can't be hired until the Lions' season is over. That could come as soon as this weekend, but it also may not happen until Feb. 9, which is the Super Bowl.

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