The Las Vegas Raiders are navigating the offseason with a strategic mindset under the watchful eye of general manager John Spytek. As the anticipated June 1st deadline looms, Spytek and his team are eyeing opportunities that could reshape the team's roster. This deadline often marks the time when teams reassess contracts, making decisions to either trade or release veteran players, thus helping distribute salary cap hits across seasons to ease future financial strains.
Currently, the Raiders have a comfortable $36.8 million in projected salary cap room, a financial cushion that allows them to pull the trigger on several team-enhancing moves. Here’s a look at three key strategies the Raiders might explore post-June 1.
1. Eyeing Jalen Ramsey: A Trade and Contract Restructuring Opportunity
The buzz around Jalen Ramsey joining the Raiders has been a persistent storyline this offseason. With his current circumstances at the Miami Dolphins less than ideal, a trade post-June 1 could be on the cards, saving the Dolphins a cool $5.92 million against their cap. For the Raiders, Ramsey presents a chance to inject proven talent into a secondary that could benefit from his experience.
The financial aspect of this potential deal is crucial. While the Raiders might secure Ramsey for no more than a mid-round draft pick, restructuring his hefty contract is imperative.
Ramsey's future cap hits, escalating to $36.2 million, are steep, especially with his 31st birthday approaching. With a savvy restructuring, the Raiders could integrate Ramsey into their defense without straining future budgets immensely.
2. Reinforcing the Defensive Tackle Position
The Raiders' defensive line is supposed to be a formidable force, but uncertainty lingers due to Christian Wilkins' health status. Adam Butler’s recent absence during an OTA practice only amplifies the question marks within this group. With the depth somewhat unproven, bringing in a seasoned defensive tackle could be pivotal.
Sebastian Joseph-Day from the Titans or the Cowboys' Mazi Smith are intriguing trade targets. Both players' availability could be influenced by their teams' deep rosters at the position, and the cost—likely no more than a Day 3 draft pick—seems reasonable. Given the limited options in the free-agent market, a targeted trade could be the Raiders' best bet to solidify their defensive interior.
3. Strengthening the Wide Receiver Corps
While the 2025 NFL Draft saw the Raiders infuse youthful exuberance into their roster, immediate impacts often require seasoned dependability. Rumors swirling around Tyreek Hill’s potential availability are tantalizing, but such a high-stakes play appears unlikely for this conservative regime.
Instead, the Raiders could look to familiar territory by considering free agents like Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen. Cooper, a bit younger, comes with Silver and Black experience, while Allen's superior 2024 performance and chemistry with current Raiders wide receivers coach Chris Beatty make him an attractive option. Bringing in either player not only provides a reliable target for the offense but also fosters depth and leadership within the receiving corps.
With these potential moves, the Raiders are primed to tackle the season ahead with both immediate competitiveness and future readiness in mind. The strategic roster adjustments could be the difference-maker they need as they aim to make waves in the league.
