The Top Raiders Players to Watch in 2024 NFL Free Agency.
The Las Vegas Raiders have $47.9 million in salary cap space, so if they so want, they may be significant players in free agency.
They now rank 10th in the league for cap space thanks to the cap figure. Having taken over the roster that Dave Ziegler assembled during the previous two offseasons, new general manager Tom Telesco will have his first opportunity to start constructing the Raiders in accordance with his vision during free agency.
Over the past two offseasons, the Raiders have witnessed two distinct strategies. Ziegler acquired Chandler Jones and Davante Adams in his first offseason trades. On-field victory was not achieved by the spectacular moves. They signed a sizable class of free agents in 2023, the majority of them were obscure veterans.
That didn’t yield a huge turnaround last season and there’s a reason the Raiders have a new front office.
Deciding who to prioritize as free agency nears will be huge for Telesco. Here’s a look at three players that should be on the top of his list as the front office begins attacking free agency.
The Raiders may be developing something special on the defensive end of the ball in Vegas, if the second half of the season was any guide. The fact that the Silver and Black had one of the greatest defenses in the league when Antonio Pierce took over contributed to his retention as head coach.
The easiest way for the Raiders to be dangerous is for them to keep developing a defense that can compete with teams in the division like the Chiefs and Chargers.
Maxx Crosby is a talent to develop around on the defensive line, while Malcolm Koonce was a revelation in the second half of the season. If Tyree Wilson, the first-round selection from the previous season, can improve in Year 2, the.
The missing component might be a defensive lineman who can produce some pass-rush output in addition to acting as an anchor against the run. In an interior defender class that may include Christian Wilkins, Justin Madubuike, and Chris Jones, Leonard Williams has gone unnoticed, but the Raiders really need him.
His relationship with Patrick Graham, the defensive coordinator, may make a reunion easier. Williams finished the two seasons with eighteen sacks. Graham was the Giants’ defensive coordinator.
At the trade deadline, the 29-year-old defensive tackle was acquired by Seattle, but an extension has not yet been agreed upon by the two teams. When the Raiders open up free agency, they ought to be attempting to contact him.
Tom Telesco has been an NFL general manager for more than ten years. Whatever the outcome of his time with the Chargers, he learned a lot from the experience.
One thing he may have discovered is how challenging it can be to establish an offensive line. The right tackle spot has been a problem for the Chargers over the past several seasons despite their significant upfront commitments.
By ensuring that Jermaine Eluemunor stays within the building, Telesco has the chance to guarantee a reasonably high floor for the role. After some time, the 29-year-old has developed into a capable starting right tackle who can also play on the left side and guard the interior.
Despite giving up six sacks, PFF gave him a grade of 68.5. That was sufficient to place 36th out of all tackles.
Going forward, the Raiders certainly have several possibilities at right tackle. Of course, they can look to upgrade, but it can take years to develop tackles, and starting players aren’t inexpensive. Additionally, Thayer Munford is an internal choice.
However, the simplest method to maintain operations at the post is to pen Eluemunor to a new contract. If they signed him, it wouldn’t stop them from selecting another promising prospect in the draft.
