The Las Vegas Raiders last won a playoff game during the 2002 season. However, there are reasons to believe that 2024 can bring an end to their drought of postseason victory.
Las Vegas gelled under interim—and now full-time head coach—Antonio Pierce late last year and notched victories over all three AFC West opponents. The Raiders also made some noteworthy additions in the offseason, including those of Gardner Minshew, Christian Wilkins and Brock Bowers.
Still, there are roster holes that need to be addressed before training camp opens on July 21. The good news is that the Raiders have $34.1 million in cap space with which to work.
Below, you'll find a look at three areas of the roster that Las Vegas should strengthen, along with a few free-agent options to consider.
Cornerback
Raiders CB Jack JonesRyan Kang/Getty Images
Playing in a division that features Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, the Raiders should be eager to upgrade their cornerback room. Las Vegas has a solid slot corner in Nate Hobbs, and it is hoping to see growth from Jack Jones, who was added during the 2023 season.
"His teammates know what they're going to get out there on the field, and we've just got to make sure we keep all those things positive all the time," assistant head coach Marvin Lewis said of Jones, per ESPN's Paul Gutierrez.
However, Jones has started only five games in his NFL career. Jakorian Bennett started early as a rookie last season but saw his role diminish as the season progressed, and Brandon Facyson missed most of 2023 with a shin injury. Rookie fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson could enter the equation, but the Raiders would be wise to add a proven starter to the mix.
Fortunately, there are a few high-end corners remaining on the market. Stephon Gilmore, who allowed an opposing passer rating of only 82.7 last season, tops the list. Xavien Howard and Patrick Peterson both have multiple Pro Bowls on their resumes.
Backup Running Back
Raiders RB Alexander MattisonStephen Maturen/Getty Images
Whether Minshew or Aidan O'Connell emerges as the starting quarterback, the Raiders should look to support their signal-caller with a strong ground game. After Josh Jacobs departed in free agency, much of that task will fall to third-year back Zamir White.
White showed flashes down the stretch last season, but he lack experience as a full-time starter. Rookie sixth-round pick Dylan Laube has the burst and the receiving skills to be a valuable third-down back.
If the Raiders want to ensure that they have a strong ground game, though, they need to identify a quality second rushing option. Ameer Abdullah is back but was mostly a special-teams contributor with Las Vegas over the past two seasons. The Raiders added Alexander Mattison, but he hasn't been a very efficient runner since 2020.
In each of his last three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Mattison averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry.
Unfortunately, an early run at the position in free agency has left the market devoid of quality ball-carriers. Las Vegas could take a flier on Dalvin Cook, who was a Pro Bowler in 2022 but struggled to see the field last season.
Kareem Hunt has lost some of his burst, but he's still an effective short-yardage and goal-line back. The list of available backs also includes Matt Breida, Cam Akers and Latavius Murray.
Third Edge-Rusher
Raiders edge Tyree WilsonRyan Kang/Getty Images
If Las Vegas is hoping to chase an AFC West title in 2024, it should consider bolstering its pass rush. As previously mentioned, the division features two of the top quarterbacks in the conference.
The good news is that the Raiders already have their star sack artist in Maxx Crosby. They also uncovered a solid second option in Malcolm Koonce this past season. However, those were the only two edge-rushers to record more than 3.5 sacks for Las Vegas in 2023.
Adding a dependable third edge-rusher could transform the Raiders' pass rush into an elite unit. Ideally, 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson will make enough of a jump to be that contributor.
After logging just 3.5 sacks as a rookie, though, Wilson isn't there just yet. Several capable pass-rushers are available on the open market, and the Raiders would be wise to add one of them before camp.
Bringing back Yannick Ngakoue, who had 10 sacks with the Raiders in 2021, would make a lot of sense. So would targeting Emmanuel Ogbah, who played next to Wilkins with the Miami Dolphins last season.
The pass-rusher player pool also includes Carl Lawson, Charles Harris and Jerry Hughes. Adding a veteran would help ensure that Las Vegas has a deep and potent pass-rushing rotation this season.
