Armed with the most salary-cap rom in the NFL, the Raiders used their muscle as they committed nearly $290 million in contracts, The agreed to terms to free agents Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum, Minnesota wide receiver Jalen Nailor, Colts pass-rusher Kwity Paye, Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean, Packers linebacker Quay Walker, 49ers kicker Matt Gay. They signed Eric Stokes and pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce and traded for cornerback Taron Johnson from Buffalo. Bills got a sixth-round pick and Raiders got Johnson and a seventh.
All they lost on the first day from a meager in-house free-agent class were linebacker Jamal Adams and quarterback Kenny Pickett. Neither were considered priorities for the team to retain.
Even though the Raiders got a lot of work done as they secured five starters on defense, solidified the offensive and added other pieces. There are still needs with plenty of options remaining in free agency. And they still have plenty of spending power, so more veterans are sure to be added.
A lot of the Raider’s free-agent needs are to be determined. They could add another guard or tackle on the offensive line so they could go with Caleb Rogers and DJ Glaze.
They can add more at wide receiver to go along with Nailor or they could wait until the draft. They can continue work on the offensive line, and secondary.
They do need a second running back, a fullback and a backup quarterback. So, basically, the answer to all of this is yes.
Things may not be as wild was they were Monday, but expect Las Vegas to continue to do work in free agency.
