Monday was the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period, giving teams the opportunity to sign free agents from other organizations.
The Las Vegas Raiders made a fair share of moves to bring in new players. However, they also lost the likes of Robert Spillane, Tre’Von Moehrig and Nate Hobbs to other teams. As a result, Raiders fans got a glimpse of what their team will look like in 2025, as well as what the collective philosophy of head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek is.
With the first day of heavy lifting over, here are three takeaways from the deluge of moves connected to the Raiders.
The defensive line is loaded
From the moment superstar defensive end Maxx Crosby inked his massive extension on Wednesday, the Raiders made their identity clear.
The Raiders re-signed defensive tackle Adam Butler to take him off the open market, and brought Malcolm Koonce back on a one-year, $12 million deal on Monday. Butler emerged as a key piece to the defensive line in the wake of an injury to Christian Wilkins, while Koonce was set to build off an eight-sack breakout season in 2023 before an injury prevented him from playing this past season. If the Raiders bring back K’Lavon Chaisson, the team will have the benefit of continuity on the defensive line, as well as track records of strong production.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will have no issue seeing his defense get pressure on the quarterback, which is vital in an AFC West loaded with talent at the position.
Cheaper alternatives
With the departures from the Raiders on Monday, Spytek would not let them walk if he did not feel he could get better value elsewhere.
To replace Spillane in the middle of the defense, the Raiders signed former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts on a cheap one-year, $3 million deal. Moehrig was replaced by two safeties, with Jeremy Chinn coming over from the Washington Commanders and former Carolina Panther Lonnie Johnson Jr. joining as veteran depth. Hobbs’ slot corner spot in the lineup has yet to be replaced, but it is unclear if the Raiders will plug that hole with a free agent or a draft pick.
Losing talented players is never easy for any team, but Spytek and the Raiders are confident that they are making the right choices here.
First round looking clearer
With defense receiving much of the attention in free agency, it is looking like the offense will be tinkered with through the draft.
Since trading for quarterback Geno Smith on Friday, most mock drafts are pointing the Raiders towards Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan or Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. The team has needs at both positions, but the next few days could decide which option the Raiders prefer. Receivers such as Cooper Kupp, Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs make sense for the Raiders to bring in, as do running backs Rico Dowdle and J.K. Dobbins.
Where the Raiders go from here will be crucial in determining where they are leaning in terms of who they draft in April.
