This year’s NFL free agency period will provide the Las Vegas Raiders with plenty of intriguing options—let’s look at 10 players in particular.
With the regular season over and the playoffs underway, we’re just a few weeks away from the end of the NFL season. As that time of the year wraps up, every NFL team is beginning to undergo some change. For some teams, like the Raiders, that’s already happening, with a head coach search well underway.
In terms of player personnel, the first major event of the offseason is free agency. Las Vegas has several important players hitting the market this spring. They’ll make an effort to keep some of them around. Aside from that, there are many players available around the league the Raiders can look at to upgrade their roster.
Here are the 10 best options for the Raiders in free agency this offseason.
Raiders Free Agency: Who Should Be The Top Priority?
No. 1: Carlton Davis, CB
Simply put, Carlton Davis has been one of the most consistently impressive cornerbacks in the league for years now. Davis is finishing his first year with the Detroit Lions, where he’s putting together another incredible season. Davis finished his regular season with two interceptions and 11 pass deflections. He allowed just a 77.0 passer rating when targeted.
Davis will be one of the most expensive offseason movers, but Las Vegas has plenty of cap space. It’s important to note that Davis missed the final month of the regular season due to a fractured jaw on the injured reserve. However, we anticipate a full recovery from his injury, which typically doesn’t significantly impact a cornerback’s career.
No. 2: Aaron Jones, RB
One thing was apparent during the Raiders’ 2024 season: they could not run the ball. Aaron Jones would address this issue while also making a significant impact as a pass catcher. This year, Jones has demonstrated his ability to produce even as he ages, setting an example for the league. In 2024, he had 1,138 rushing yards while averaging an impressive 4.5 yards per attempt and five scores on the ground. Jones also caught 51 passes for 408 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Jones’ ability to be an every-down back would immediately transform the Raiders’ offense. Whoever plays quarterback for Las Vegas next season would appreciate him, but if the Raiders opt for a young quarterback, Jones’ use as a checkdown option would be valuable. Given that Jones will turn 31 next year, the Raiders are unlikely to lock him into a long-term contract.
No. 3: Tee Higgins, WR
Despite trading Davante Adams in the middle of the season, the Raiders still had some talented pass-catchers. Both Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers had outstanding seasons despite terrible quarterback play. However, a player like Tee Higgins could really unlock the rest of the offense. In a season in which he played on the franchise tag for the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins had 903 receiving yards on 73 receptions and found the end zone 10 times. Most impressively, Higgins only played in 12 games and started nine of them.
First thing’s first, Higgins would cost a pretty penny and that’s putting it lightly. However, we saw what Bowers and Meyers could do this season. Adding Higgins to the mix would make things even easier on those two. If the Raiders decide to upgrade the quarterback position after adding Higgins, things would instantly trend upward given all the offensive talent.
Should The Raiders Target A Pass Rusher?
No. 4: Josh Sweat, EDGE
For several years now, the Raiders have had to deal with both Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert twice a year, which they’re surely tired of. One of the best ways to combat that is to simply get to the passer. Although it may seem challenging, we can address this issue this offseason.
With a lot of pieces on the defensive line hitting free agency this offseason, it would be the smart play to make an addition there. Josh Sweat looks like a worthy candidate. Josh Sweat has proven to be one of the more consistent defensive linemen in recent memory, and he would be an excellent complement to Maxx Crosby.
No. 5: Justin Fields, QB
A few weeks ago, Sam Darnold was considered the best quarterback in the upcoming free agent class. However, his struggles during the final stretch, including the playoffs, may have diminished his interest in the open market. If Las Vegas wants a younger option, Justin Fields could be the answer.
Fields started the first six games for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, before Russell Wilson returned to the lineup. He did well, winning four of those games. Most importantly, he looked much more confident and competent as a passer than he did during his time with the Chicago Bears. He likely won’t command a huge contract and should get a chance as a starter next year.
No. 6: Elandon Roberts, LB
Here’s another Steeler that the Raiders should consider targeting. Roberts has his strengths and weaknesses against the pass, but as a run-stopper, he’s about as effective as it gets. Pro Football Focus gave Roberts an impressive 90.4 grade against the run, the fifth highest at his position.
Roberts would be an especially important addition if the Raiders end up losing Robert Spillane to free agency. Spillane is one of the best tackles in the league. Whether he stays in Las Vegas or not, Roberts would be a beneficial addition.
The Raiders Should Consider A Veteran Wideout
No. 7: Chris Godwin, WR
Chris Godwin would likely have been higher on this list had he not suffered a devastating ankle injury halfway through his season. Godwin has formed a perfect duo alongside Mike Evans in Tampa Bay, and coming into the season, he was set to be one of the top options on the open market.
He will continue to be a threat, but teams now need to be extra cautious due to his injury concern. Godwin has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but his latest one is the worst yet. The availability of other top receivers like Tee Higgins could potentially lower Godwin’s price tag. The Raiders could potentially benefit greatly from Godwin’s services without incurring significant financial costs.
No. 8: Justin Reid, S
Injuries plagued the Raiders during the 2024 season, particularly targeting the defense. The Raiders tested the depth in the secondary during the long losing streak. With Marcus Epps and Tre’Von Moehrig both set to become free agents this offseason, you can bet this is a position the Raiders look to add to.
Reid is a well-rounded player, with his 76.9 overall grade from PFF being the 20th highest out of 170 players at his position. Even more impressive, his 77.4 coverage grade was 12th-best. Reid would immediately improve the Raiders’ defense. His ability to stop the run and the pass is both among the best at his position.
No. 9: Ryan Kelly, C
At this point, it’s time to focus on the offensive line. The unit wasn’t terrible in 2024. They had problems, but Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell may have exaggerated them. Still, the Raiders would do well adding talent and depth to this unit.
In light of this, Kelly is a player who has the potential to immediately enhance Las Vegas’ offensive line. Kelly’s a tremendous pass-blocker, but he’s able to be a force in the run game as well. Compared to Las Vegas’ current center, Andre James, Kelly is a massive upgrade. His presence would allow Jackson Powers-Johnson to shift to guard as well.
No. 10: D.J. Reed, CB
Reed isn’t the best corner in this year’s free agency class. Still, he’s a talented football player, which is something the Raiders don’t have much of on defense. Reed had 11 pass deflections during the 2024 season, and he allowed an 87.1 passer rating when targeted. Although it’s the highest rating he’s given up since 2019, it remains commendable. It’s also worth noting that some of his worst showings came towards the end of the season, when his team was ravaged with injuries and eliminated from playoff contention.
In Nate Hobbes and Jakorian Bennett, the Raiders have solid building blocks at the cornerback position. Jack Jones could step forward in 2025 as well. Having said that, Las Vegas still needs to address that position in the offseason. Reed would be a fantastic start.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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