While we can discuss how effectively the Las Vegas Raiders‘ leadership managed its first offseason, the challenges are only growing in 2026.
We all anticipated challenges when Pete Carroll and John Spytek took over as head coach and general manager, respectively. Whatever your thoughts on cap space and other issues, it was inevitable that the roster you signed and retained would not satisfy everyone.
From an objective perspective, the assembled roster appears to be solid. Sure, there are still some weaknesses. However, this endeavor is about building a team that will be able to sustain long-term success. You don’t do that by overpaying for average talent—you don’t even do that for above-average talent.
The way championship-caliber squads build their teams is through the NFL draft while complementing it with free agents that fill certain needs. This is something that’s going to take more than one offseason. Speaking of which, things don’t get easier in 2026. There are players who’ll be up for new deals in the second year of Carroll and Spytek’s reign.
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The Raiders offense will have many questions next offseason…
As previously mentioned, cap space isn’t necessarily an issue right now for the Raiders. Having upwards of $32 million certainly helps, but how do you go about using that financial freedom? Spytek has shown he’s not going to spend just for the sake of it–regardless of the player’s name.
The offense as it stands has multiple players who are heading into training camp with expiring deals. You have stalwart offensive tackle Kolton Miller. Miller is not even 30 years old yet; he does have his share of wear and tear at this point, though. In his defense, he significantly improved after a slow start last year.
Dylan Parham plays alongside Miller in the offensive line. The versatile lineman has seen his stock rise. With Alex Cappa joining the Raiders this offseason coupled with Caleb Rogers getting drafted in the third round, things could get murky for Parham.
The primary concern for the Silver and Black is how wide receiver Jakobi Meyers fits into the team’s long-term plan. Since arriving in Sin City, Meyers has carved himself a comfortable role as the de facto number-one receiving option not named Brock Bowers. After surpassing career highs in several categories last year, Meyers’ potential is boundless with Geno Smith joining the team. Do you pay him like one of the league’s best?
Related: Should The Raiders Sign Another Defensive Tackle?
The Fascinating Case of Malcolm Koonce
Before succumbing to a devastating knee injury last summer, Koonce was on his way to a potential payday from the Raiders. The former third-round pick was coming off a successful 2023 campaign where he amassed eight sacks and nine tackles for a loss. It appeared that Las Vegas had themselves a running mate for Maxx Crosby—a new pass-rushing duo that would wreak havoc across the AFC West.
Regrettably, Koonce’s injury put him on the shelf and was conversely retained for another year. To say he has a lot riding on this upcoming season is putting it mildly. The defensive line has some concerns, mostly due to Christian Wilkins’ health, but if Koonce is healthy, can he retain his 2023 form? Raiders fans will closely monitor this crucial aspect.
*Top Photo: The Sporting Tribune/DJ Cabanlong