In the NFL, the free agency period, which can last as little as a week to several months, is the period when players whose contracts expire can sign for new teams. It’s an exciting time as fans and teams wait with expectation to see who will sign for their team. The Las Vegas Raiders are no exception.
There are three main types of free agents: unrestricted free agents, who have accrued four seasons and can sign to any team with no draft compensation owed to their old squad; restricted free agents, players who have accrued three seasons and have received a qualifying offer when their contract expires; and exclusive rights players, who have accrued less than three seasons and can be tendered for a year at the veteran minimum. Exclusive rights players can’t negotiate or sign contracts with other teams.
Below is a look at the Raiders during the free agency period, at how they could still improve their roster and at Keenan Allen, who is expected to join the team on free agency, plus a preview of the season and the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
Getting under way
The NFL has been quiet so far about the upcoming season, but one thing is clear: the Philadelphia Eagles will play in the opening game at home in Week 1. The Eagles are the defending champions and the game will take place on September 9.
Of course, the Super Bowl is the flagship event in the NFL calendar and predictions are already being made about who will win the coveted Lombardi trophy. The last Super Bowl was a clash between the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs and finished with the Eagles coming out on top. The Philadelphia side are the favorites this time around too. Sportsbooks have placed them on the betting lines at +600. They’re followed immediately by either the Chiefs or the Baltimore Ravens.
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Making preparations for the 2025-26 season
As they seek to snatch the title from the Eagles, many teams will be looking at free agents who could help them improve. The Las Vegas Raiders finished fourth in the AFC West and will definitely want to do better.
The Las Vegas side has attracted attention with their activity during free agency. Nothing flamboyant, however. Just focus on solid team reinforcement. The departure of Robert Spillane for the New England Patriots and Divine Deablo’s signing for the Atlanta Falcons have made strengthening the defense a big part of the strategy. This offseason has seen the Raiders bring in safety Jeremy Chinn and linebacker Elandon Roberts.
There are also players the team refused to part with, such as defensive linesmen Malcom Koonce and Adam Butler. The team has re-signed them both. Defensive end Maxx Crosby has also seen his contract extended.
Raiders have room for improvement
Although the Raiders have been busy during free agency, there’s still plenty of offseason left, and the team is just getting started. Bringing in a quarterback would help, but without a doubt, the Silver and Black must expand their wide receivers and running backs. Adding to skill positions will improve their offense and inflict real damage on teams.
Step forward for the Raiders: Keenan Allen
There’s been much speculation around wide receiver and unrestricted free agent Keenan Allen, who served the San Diego Chargers for four seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers for seven and, most recently, the Chicago Bears for one season. Many are expecting the North Carolina-born player to sign for the Raiders.
The veteran wide receiver could be just the man to support quarterback Geno Smith. He has the potential to link up well with the experienced Smith and will also provide valuable mentorship to younger pass-catchers on the team. The Raiders might have to watch out for his former team, the L.A. Chargers, however. The Californian side hasn’t ruled out bringing him back aboard.
Allen has built a reputation for having a reliable pair of hands and for his football prowess. Despite his disappointing season with the Bears, no one disputes the fact he’s an incredibly savvy route runner who makes up for his lack of dynamism by relying on his resourcefulness to increase his yardage.
Allen’s resourcefulness also allows him to become highly elusive in possession. He makes first tacklers miss by cutting or spinning away and maintaining his balance so he can continue downfield. He’ll also capitalize on his large hands to create space from defensive players downfield and make himself a target for the quarterback in the scramble.
The free agency period is a fantastic time for teams to sign new players and strengthen their side for the upcoming season. The Raiders are seizing on it to bring in reinforcements and really attack the AFC West when the season gets going in September. Watch this space!
*Top Photo: Getty Images