Although the Las Vegas Raiders spent the sixth overall pick on a running back, the team remains the worst rushing offense in the NFL. Through Week 16, the Raiders are averaging only 75 rushing yards per game, a figure that underscores deeper structural issues. Chief among them is the offensive line, which has been a major catalyst for the struggles throughout the season.
Those problems extend beyond the ground game. The Raiders also rank last in points per contest, further highlighting the need for an offseason overhaul up front. Ashton Jeanty has shown flashes of high-level play, but consistency requires more reliable blocking than he has received. That is why upgrading the offensive line should be a top priority.
One potential solution is right tackle Braden Smith, a pending free agent known for his stability and technique. His presence has helped Jonathan Taylor remain one of the league’s most productive running backs. For a Raiders offense searching for traction, adding a proven anchor like Smith would be a meaningful step toward fixing the unit.
Restructuring the Raiders O-line: You shift DJ Glaze to guard
Despite playing offensive tackle in college and in the NFL, Glaze has been projected to fit better on the interior. He has posted a 59.1 Pro Football Focus grade this season and produced several lowlights, often struggling against top-tier edge rushers. Most draft evaluations viewed him as a potential starter at guard but a backup-caliber option at tackle, and his performance has largely reflected that assessment.
A move by Jackson Powers-Johnson back to center would open another guard spot, simplifying the offseason blueprint. In that scenario, the Raiders would need only one starting-caliber offensive lineman from free agency. Kolton Miller and Powers-Johnson remain entrenched as starters, while Caleb Rogers has shown promising development recently. That leaves one guard position for Glaze to compete for, with Braden Smith serving as the potential anchor on the right side.
The going rate for a top-tier right tackle…
Tyler Linderbaum is the top offensive lineman set to hit free agency, but Braden Smith is a close second. That standing ensures he will draw interest from multiple teams seeking a proven right tackle, putting Las Vegas in the middle of a likely bidding war. The Colts also offer a stable, winning environment, while the Raiders are still working to establish a clear identity, which could influence Smith’s decision.
The highest-paid right tackle in the league is Tristan Wirfs. His youth and upside justify his salary of more than $28 million per season. Smith will not match that number. Still, his next deal should fall in a similar range given his skill set and market position. By all indications, Las Vegas will have the cap space to compete aggressively; the club is projected to hold one of the league’s largest cap cushions for 2026.
That raises the central question for the Raiders this offseason: who should be their top priority?
*Top Photo: Getty Images