Raiders will reportedly move to 3-4 defense

Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard holds on to a football during the team's practice at the Intermountain Health Performance Center on Sept. 19, 2025, in Henderson, Nevada. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

There will be major scheme switch for the Las Vegas Raiders under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.

New Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak told Las Vegas reporters at the NFL Combine on Wednesday that the team will move from a 4-3 to a 3-4 base defense under Leonard. That means their base defense will feature three defensive linemen and four linebackers. It doesn't have a big affect on the secondary. Their base defense was a 4-3 approach under former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Kubiak said #Raiders will have a 3-4 base defense under DC Rob Leonard.

- Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) February 25, 2026

Here are some quick thoughts on the scheme switch and what it will mean:

• Leonard worked in a 3-4 base under Brian Flores and Mike MacDonald in the past. So, he's comfortable with it.
• This will alter the team's approach in free agency and n the draft. First off, the Raiders will look for a true nose tackle.
• They will also probalby add several new linebackers.
• Yes, Maxx Crosby can fit in a 3-4 defense, likely as an edge linebacker.
• Tyree Wilson, likely entering the final year of his contract, may fit as a rotational 3-4 defensive lineman.
• Free-agent Malcolm Koonce fits as a 3-4 linebacker off the edge.
• Remember, it's just a base defense, so there will be multiple looks.

Here are some other notes from the session with Kubiak:

• Kubiak said the Raiders are looking at several venues at quarterback and 2025 starter Geno Smith is an option. Kubiak said he briefly talked to Smith since getting the job. Remember, Kubiak was the incoming offensive coordinator last year in Seattle when it traded Smith. The likely scenario remains Smith will either be cut or traded in my opinion.
• Kubiak said he was been watching film of expected No. 1 overall pick, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and he is looking forward to learning more about him at the combine this week.
• Kubiak said the Raiders will add a fullback and another running back to compliment starting tailback Ashton Jeanty.
• Kubiak called new assistant head coach Mike McCoy his right-hand man."
• Kubiak kept the company line toward Crosby, saying he's excited to work with him this season.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak met with local media at the NFL Combine and said definitively that he wants Maxx Crosby to be a Raider. #RaiderNationpic.twitter.com/BawZj2gH2h

- Raider Nation Radio (@RNR920AM) February 25, 2026