Raiders' Free Agency Blueprint: Bold Moves to Win Now
The NFL Combine has wrapped up, and the Las Vegas Raiders, armed with the No. 6 pick and ample cap space, must prioritize free agency to accelerate their rebuild under Pete Carroll and GM John Spytek. The quarterback situation is dire, 2024 exposed Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell as stopgaps. With a weak 2025 QB draft class, trading up for Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders feels risky.
Instead, the Raiders should chase a proven veteran like Sam Darnold or Justin Fields, who thrived, when given the chance and could stabilize the offense without breaking the bank.
Beyond QB, the offensive line needs reinforcement. Jackson Powers-Johnson’s talent is wasted at guard, move him to center and target a mauler like James Daniels or Mekhi Becton to bolster the run game, a Carroll hallmark. Defensively, retaining Malcolm Koonce and Nate Hobbs should be non-negotiable; their upside fits Patrick Graham’s scheme. If cap space allows, a splash on a corner like Charvarius Ward could pair with Jack Jones to lock down the secondary.
The Raiders can’t rely solely on the draft, Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 is tempting, but free agency offers immediate impact. Darnold/Fields, a fortified line, and defensive continuity could lift this team from 4-13 to playoff contention. Carroll’s “win now” mantra demands bold moves before March 12. Time to spend, not sit.