With free agency just hours away, the Las Vegas Raiders are heading into a pivotal offseason after going 4-13 in 2024. Currently, the organization has a ton of cap space, but they also have a ton of holes to fill. The Raiders’ first priority is to decide which impending free agents to lock down long term. John Spytek and company already made their first move by extending Isaiah Pola-Mao, but they still have several key players who need new contracts.
Today, we will analyze which free agents the Raiders should prioritize and which ones they should let go. What better way to do that than to separate guys into arbitrary tiers? For this exercise, players will be separated into four tiers based on how much the Raiders should try to keep them: “Whatever it takes,” “Make a strong offer,” “Make a reasonable offer,” or “Let them walk.” Let’s get into it, starting with the top guys.
Tier 1: Do Whatever it Takes
These are the guys that the Raiders must keep, no matter the cost.
Robert Spillane
Spillane has swiftly emerged as the pivotal figure in the Raiders defense. Between being a tackling machine, excellent in coverage, and quarterbacking the defense, he is simply indispensable. The Raiders should not hesitate to give him $10 million a year for the next two or three seasons.
Nate Hobbs
While it may not be the sexiest position, Hobbs is one of the best nickel corners in the league. He is one of those homegrown talents that the Raiders should make sure that they keep. He shouldn’t come with a super high price tag; his value to Las Vegas as a core member of the secondary is immeasurable.
Tier 2: Make a Strong Offer
These are the players that Las Vegas should make a strong effort to retain, but if another organization wants to overpay them, it may be time to move on.
Tre’von Moehrig
Speaking of homegrown talents that are core members of the secondary like Hobbs, Moehrig fits this billing as well. The only thing keeping him a tier below is that his going rate will likely be much higher. Furthermore, the safety class in this year’s draft is very deep, so replacing Moehrig may be easier.
Divine Deablo
With his unique build as a hybrid linebacker, Deablo has emerged as the perfect complement to Spillane in the middle of the Las Vegas defense. His coverage ability, combined with his burst on the blitz, makes him essential. The only thing knocking him down a tier is that the Raiders have to pay Spillane first.
Adam Butler
Butler has quietly become a key piece on the Raiders’ front seven. He pushes the pocket well on pass downs and is a stalwart against the run. Las Vegas may only be able to pay him so much with having to pay fellow defensive linemen Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, but they should make an honest effort to find the money.
Tier 3: Make a Reasonable Offer
These are guys that it wouldn’t hurt to bring back but wouldn’t be super difficult to replace.
Malcolm Koonce
This might rub some folks the wrong way, as Koonce has become a fan-favorite. However, the facts are the facts. He is coming off a major injury and his production has been good but unspectacular. On top of that, we saw very little drop-off when the Raiders replaced him this year with K’Lavon Chaisson. Speaking of which…
K’Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson was brought in during the season after the Koonce injury and played well. The Raiders could make a low-ball offer to both Chaisson and Koonce and see who takes it first.
John Jenkins
Jenkins has served the Raiders well as a reliable run-stuffing defensive tackle. If he decides to come back, the Raiders should give him a respectable deal similar to what he got last year.
Luke Masterson
Masterson seemed like a possible breakout candidate not long ago. However, the growth of Deablo has led to a reduction in his role to more of a third linebacker and special teams player. Now that is even in jeopardy with the arrival of Tommy Eichenberg last season. Still, he is talented enough to at least get an offer to stay.
Ameer Abdullah
Speaking of special teams contributors, the Raiders should make an offer to keep one of the leaders of that unit around. Furthermore, you could argue that Abdullah was Las Vegas’ best back last season. It makes sense to bring him back on a cheap deal.
Darnay Holmes
Holmes is a cheap depth piece in the secondary that lines up in various spots. With some other players in the secondary possibly walking out the door, Holmes’ versatility makes him somebody to keep around.
Tier 4: Let ’em Walk
These are guys who are either too expensive to justify a reduced role or aging veteran backups that can easily be replaced with fresh blood. We are just going to run through this list briefly.
Marcus Epps: Replaced by Pola-Mao.
Harrison Bryant: Too expensive to be a third tight end.
Cody Whitehair: Older depth lineman with no upside. Raiders are better off bringing in a rookie.
Andrus Peat: See Cody Whitehair.
Alexander Mattison: Disappointing 2024 signing. No point in bringing him back with the Raiders who’ll likely to draft a running back.
Terrace Marshall: Who?
Sam Webb: He’s gotten opportunities but has struggled to make the most of them. Time for fresh blood.
Zach Carter: Who?
Charles Snowden: Fringe of the roster guy. The Raiders can do better.
Jordan Meredith: See Sam Webb.
Matthew Butler: Has not been able to be an impactful player since being drafted. It is time to move on.
