AFC West
Las Vegas Raiders Free Agency 2026
The Raiders entered 2026 free agency with over $90 million in cap space and a clear mandate: fix the defense and rebuild the offensive line. GM Tom Telesco has been one of the most aggressive shoppers in the league, landing a franchise center, two starting-caliber linebackers, and edge help to pair with Maxx Crosby. The front office is betting that a dominant front seven and a stabilized interior line can carry the roster while the quarterback situation sorts itself out through the draft.
Key Signings
| Player | Pos | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Linderbaum | C | 4 yr / $52M | Elite center instantly upgrades a line that ranked 28th in run blocking. $30M guaranteed signals long-term commitment to building inside-out. |
| Quay Walker | LB | 3 yr / $28M | Former Packers first-rounder brings sideline-to-sideline range. Should immediately start alongside Divine Deablo in the new 4-3 scheme. |
| Nakobe Dean | LB | 2 yr / $14M | Versatile coverage linebacker who played on 68% of defensive snaps in Philadelphia last season. Adds depth and sub-package flexibility. |
| Kwity Paye | DE | 3 yr / $24M | Reunites with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham after their time in Indianapolis. Posted 7 sacks last year and gives the Raiders a credible second edge rusher. |
| Matt Gay | K | 3 yr / $16M | Connected on 91% of field goals over the past two seasons with the Colts. Replaces Daniel Carlson and ends the special teams uncertainty. |
| Jalen Nailor | WR | 2 yr / $8M | Deep threat who averaged 16.3 yards per catch in Minnesota. A complementary piece behind Jakobi Meyers who can stretch the field on play-action. |
| Eric Stokes (re-signed) | CB | 2 yr / $12M | Returning on an affordable deal after a solid first season in Las Vegas. Provides continuity and starting-level depth at outside corner. |
| Malcolm Koonce (re-signed) | DE | 1 yr / $5.5M | Bet-on-yourself deal for the rotational edge who had 8 sacks two years ago before an injury-shortened 2025. High upside at a low price. |
Key Departures
Jimmy Garoppolo
Released in a cap-clearing move that saves $18.75M. The Raiders are expected to target a quarterback in the first round of April's draft.
Marcus Epps
Departed to the Texans on a 2-year deal. Leaves a significant hole at free safety that the team will need to address through the draft or a mid-tier signing.
Daniel Carlson
Let go after his cap number ballooned to $7.2M. Matt Gay was signed as a direct, cost-effective replacement within 48 hours.
Alex Bars
Signed with the Seahawks as a free agent. Part of the offensive line turnover that prompted the Linderbaum investment at center.
Remaining Needs
Quarterback
The biggest question hanging over the entire offseason. Las Vegas holds the 3rd overall pick and is widely expected to draft Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. Until the pick is made, every other move is secondary.
WR1
Jakobi Meyers is a reliable possession receiver but the Raiders lack a true alpha wide receiver. The draft's second round or a mid-summer trade remain the most likely paths to upgrading this spot.
Safety
With Marcus Epps gone, the back end of the secondary needs a starting-caliber free safety. Tre'von Moehrig can hold one spot, but the other remains open heading into camp.