When linebacker Brandon Marshall signed with the Oakland Raiders in the offseason, it marked a departure from his five-year career on the Denver Broncos and a new chapter in the linebackers life. According to him, one of the main selling points for the Raiders was their upcoming move to Las Vegas.

Speaking at a benefit for his Williams-Marshall Cares Foundation (via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala), Marshall said that even though he only signed a one-year deal with the Raiders, Vegas was intriguing. According to him, while the team was only able to offer a short deal to Marshall, they pitched him on helping become one of the leaders as they transition out of Oakland.

During his time in Denver, Marshall became one of the faces for one of the most feared defenses in the league, and according to him, the Raiders were able to sell him on becoming one of the alphas on a young defense still looking for them. Marshall will join top-five pick Clelin Ferrell, as well as a cast of other talented, upcoming players as they try to rebuild the Raiders before the move.

After a rough 2018 season, the Raiders will be looking to capitalize on their large amount of 2019 draft picks, and begin contending again in an AFC that will be wide open in terms of its final Wild Card spot. With Jon Gruden and new general manager Mike Mayock now in full control, the Raiders are hoping that their influx of experience and talent can get them going once again.