The Las Vegas Raiders have made sound moves this offseason as general manager John Spytek continues to build the team’s foundation.
And while the Maxx Crosby trade was rescinded by the Baltimore Ravens, thus creating less cap space than expected and likely altering the offseason blueprint, the Raiders still have plenty of flexibility and several roster holes to fill.
The Raiders still have about $35 million in cap space before draft picks are accounted for. But they don’t have to use it all and could roll over much of it now that they have achieved their minimum spend this year to stay compliant over a four-year stretch.
Here’s a look at areas of the roster the Raiders still could address in free agency, in order of need:
Wide receiver
The Raiders did a good job adding more speed to an already pretty fast room by signing former Bishop Gorman star Jalen Nailor.
He joins a group that is mostly young but talented.
There is a strong need for a big, physical receiver who can make contested catches and serve as a red zone target to take pressure off star tight end Brock Bowers.
The Raiders are doing a good job of building an offense that should give probable rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza every opportunity to succeed.
Offensive tackle
Center Tyler Linderbaum was the top priority, and the Raiders paid dearly to get him.
His presence, along with the return of a healthy Kolton Miller at left tackle, will improve the rest of the line.
The Raiders also have younger players such as Jackson Powers-Johnson, Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant who might be ready to take a big step forward. DJ Glaze could fit into that category, too.
One more addition who could help strengthen this group would be a legitimate starting option at right tackle. The line could all of a sudden be a strength.
Cornerback
Adding veteran Taron Johnson and bringing back Eric Stokes was a great start to the offseason.
It gets pretty thin after that, though.
The Raiders could be counting on Darien Porter or Decamerion Richardson to seize the opportunity on the other side of the field, but one more potential starter would be wise.
Quarterback
Mendoza most likely will be selected with the draft’s No. 1 pick as the quarterback of the future.
But Spytek and new coach Klint Kubiak have been insistent that they don’t want to start Mendoza from the beginning of the season, preferring to give him time to learn.
The job of bridge starter and mentor could fall on Aidan O’Connell. There is a sense the organization would like to sign a veteran, though.
Defensive line
The Raiders probably would be fine with the group they have on the line, especially with the way they have beefed up the edges by signing Kwity Paye and retaining Malcolm Koonce before the return of Crosby.
While there are enough bodies and starting candidates, a true playmaking nose tackle would be a game-changer.
Safety
This was a decent group last season, and it mostly returns.
It’s not an absolute necessity to bolster the group. Adding one more playmaker would be helpful, though.
Running back
Ashton Jeanty will get the bulk of the carries, but Kubiak said he wants to get a complementary back to share touches.
That person probably isn’t on the roster.
The good news is running backs are usually pretty easy to find, whether late in free agency or in the draft. Perhaps one will be released for cap purposes.
It’s important the Raiders sign another back. It just doesn’t have to be soon.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
