Swipe or pass on the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 free agents. We’re running through the top re-sign or let-walk decisions, fitting in Klint Kubiak’s rebuild, and which deals make sense based on role, value, and cap logic.
The Raiders will open a pivotal offseason with the NFL scouting combine beginning Feb. 23. While teams across the league prepare for the 2026 draft in April, most fans will focus on the prospects trying to climb the board, from projected top picks to potential sleepers.
However, rookies won’t decide the offseason alone. Free agency will help shape the league’s power structure and determine which teams are best positioned to challenge the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.
The Raiders and general manager John Spytek enter the spring in a strong spot. They hold the No. 1 pick in the draft and have the NFL’s second-most cap space for free agency. Before looking outside the organization, here’s a look at which in-house free agents the Raiders should consider keeping.
Group #1: The Unrestricted
A large portion of the Raiders’ 24 pending free agents are unrestricted. Eighteen are vested veterans who can sign with any team.
They include Jamal Adams, Alex Bachman, Jacob Bobenmoyer, Daniel Carlson, Stone Forsythe, Darnay Holmes, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Malcolm Koonce, Tyler Lockett, Raheem Mostert, Dylan Parham, Kenny Pickett, Jon Rhattigan, Elandon Roberts, Eric Stokes, Ian Thomas, Devin White and Zamir White.
It is not a strong list, and there are only a few clear holdover candidates. The Raiders’ special teams struggled in 2025, but new coordinator Joe DeCamillis may still value continuity at long snapper and kicker. If he believes Bobenmoyer and Carlson are worth keeping, the case is straightforward.
On defense, linebacker Roberts and cornerback Stokes were steady on a unit that rarely was. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard may prioritize Roberts’ veteran presence and Stokes’ upside. Beyond that, most of the group profiles as replaceable. Hard pass on the rest.
Group #2: The Restricted
Only Thomas Booker and Jordan Meredith qualify for a qualifying offer, granting them the freedom to sign with another team while providing the Raiders with a first-choice option or draft-pick compensation.
Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard knows Booker well and could view him as a solid depth option. Meredith also has value as an interior offensive line reserve at the right price.
Swipe right on both.
Group #3: Exclusive Rights
Kyu Blu Kelly, Tristin McCollum, Will Putnam and Charles Snowden are exclusive-rights free agents, meaning they can only re-sign with the Raiders.
Kelly showed flashes at cornerback, but he is still developing. McCollum and Snowden have had a few moments, but neither has shown enough upside to lock in a role. Putnam also needs time.
The better move is to pass and replace them with younger, higher-upside prospects.
*Top Photo: Getty Images