Four offseason moves that will immediately strengthen the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a new head coach, general manager, and a roster that is coming off an eight-win season. These four moves can potentially return the Silver and Black to playoff contention.
Antonio Pierce is officially the Raiders’ full-time head coach, having served as interim coach following Josh McDaniels’ firing.
Former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco steers the ship in the front office. He spent a decade with the Bolts and is widely regarded as a shrewd NFL Draft analyst.
The Raiders roster includes several top players in their respective positions. Davante Adams is the best wide receiver available, and Maxx Crosby is as excellent as anyone at rushing the passer. But how can the team improve its squad this offseason?
How will the Raiders enhance their roster?
1. Consider drafting or signing a quarterback upgrade.
Aidan O’Connell, a rookie, performed well in the starting lineup during the 2023 regular season.
However, O’Connell’s weaknesses were obvious to the fan base and opponents, with defenses focusing on his flaws.
The Raiders are ranked 13th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, necessitating a trade up the board for one of the top quarterbacks.
Alternatively, Vegas might pursue a more established senior quarterback. Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins are potential starters for the Raiders.
2. Bring in numerous run stuffers on defense.
The Raiders’ defense kept the team afloat in the prestigious AFC. Patrick Graham’s team played with intensity and ambition on a snap-by-snap basis.
One location where the defense was vulnerable was in the trenches. The depth chart lacks a solid defensive lineman, as proven by the Raiders’ struggles in the running game most weeks.
Adding a gap-stuffing lineman should be at the top of Telesco’s priority list, whether through the NFL Draft or free agency.
3. Build up the offensive line
The other side of the trenches could also use some work. Specifically, the interior of the offensive line.
In 2023, Vegas has center Andre James and guard Greg Van Roten, but the team needs another strong guard to fill the other place.
Michael Onwenu, a free agent guard, will reach the open market, allowing the Raiders to bid on his services.
Interior players in the draft, such as Graham Barton (Duke), Cooper Beebe (Kansas State), and Troy Fautanu (Washington), are instant starters on Sundays.
4. Allow Josh Jacobs to walk in free agency.
Josh Jacobs and the Raiders were at odds for the majority of the previous summer, with neither party willing to negotiate a contract extension.
Jacobs eventually signed a one-year contract with Vegas, ensuring that he would either become free agent or be assigned the franchise tag this offseason.
The Raiders would be wise to let the former All-Pro leave. Jacobs set a career low for efficiency in 2023, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, much below the league average for running backs.
