Raiders' Free Agency Frenzy: Winners and Losers
With the first week of the 2026 NFL free agency in the books, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as a team transformed. Let's dive into the winners and losers from this whirlwind period.
Winners
1. Ashton Jeanty
Jeanty stands tall as a major beneficiary of the Raiders' moves. With the acquisition of Tyler Linderbaum, one of the league’s premier centers, the rushing attack is set to be revitalized. The absence of a big-ticket running back addition means Jeanty is poised to be the primary workhorse, ready to capitalize on every opportunity.
2. Linebacker Room
The Raiders have significantly upgraded their linebacker corps, swapping out Devin White and Elandon Roberts for the younger, more versatile Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. This dynamic duo promises to solidify the middle of the defense, eliminating past vulnerabilities.
3. Rob Leonard
First-year defensive coordinator Rob Leonard has plenty to smile about. With the re-signings of Eric Stokes and Malcolm Koonce, the addition of Kwity Paye, and the return of Maxx Crosby, Leonard has a robust arsenal at his disposal. This revamped defense should ease his transition and elevate the unit’s performance.
4. Fernando Mendoza
While not yet a Raider, Mendoza could find himself in an ideal situation if drafted in April. With no veteran quarterback competition and improvements across the offensive line and receiving corps, Mendoza might step into a promising setup that’s been bolstered by recent moves.
5. Youth Competing for Roles
The Raiders' strategy has left room for young talent to shine. With Caleb Rogers and Darien Porter in starting positions and players like Tommy Eichenberg and Dylan Laube vying for significant roles, the door is wide open for emerging stars to make their mark.
Losers
1. Raiders' Free Agent Class
The Raiders’ free agent class didn’t make waves, with only a handful securing contracts elsewhere. Dylan Parham found a new home with the Jets, while others like Kenny Pickett and Stone Forsythe signed modest deals with the Panthers. The fact that 16 free agents remain unsigned highlights the challenges they face in the market.
2. Maxx Crosby
Crosby’s week was tumultuous, with trade rumors swirling around him. Although he’s back with the Raiders, the leaked trade request might have dented his standing with some fans. The Ravens’ preference for Trey Hendrickson over Crosby adds another layer of complexity to his situation.
3. Daniel Carlson
The end of an era looms for Carlson, who hasn’t been re-signed by the Raiders and now watches as Matt Gay steps in as the new kicker. While Carlson’s future elsewhere seems promising, his departure marks a significant change for the team’s special teams unit.
As the dust settles, the Raiders have clearly made bold moves to reshape their roster. Whether these changes lead to success on the field remains to be seen, but the foundation is certainly intriguing.