The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory, and the mission is crystal clear: protect the quarterback. After a season where the offense sputtered from start to finish, largely due to a leaky offensive line that gave up a league-high 64 sacks, the front office knows it can’t afford a repeat performance-especially with a new franchise quarterback likely on the way in April’s draft.
That presumed quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, will need more than just a playbook and a helmet-he’ll need protection. And right now, the Raiders' offensive line is more sieve than shield.
Outside of left tackle Kolton Miller and promising young center Jackson Powers-Johnson, the rest of the unit is in desperate need of an overhaul. Three starting spots are essentially up for grabs, and the team has the resources-both financially and in draft capital-to get aggressive.
Las Vegas is projected to have roughly $87.8 million in cap space, giving them the flexibility to make a serious investment in the trenches. With free agency arriving before the draft, the Raiders are in prime position to land veteran help early and set the tone for the rest of the offseason.
One name that’s generating buzz as a potential fit: David Edwards, the veteran guard from the Buffalo Bills. Edwards has quietly been one of the more consistent interior linemen in the league over the past few seasons.
He’s started 32 games at left guard for Buffalo over the last two years and would’ve started 34 if not for being rested in Week 18 both seasons. Over his career, he’s logged 69 starts at that position-experience that would be invaluable to a Raiders line that lacked both cohesion and leadership in 2025.
Edwards isn’t just bringing a résumé; he’s bringing production. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished this past season as the 22nd-highest graded guard in the league, and more importantly, he ranked 12th in pass-blocking-a category where the Raiders desperately need help.
For comparison, Dylan Parham, who started most of the year at left guard for Las Vegas, ranked 38th overall and 42nd in pass protection. That kind of drop-off shows up on tape-and in the box score.
Now, signing Edwards won’t come cheap. Spotrac projects his market value at just under $20 million per year, with a three-year deal potentially landing around $59.7 million. That’s a hefty price tag, but in today’s NFL, quality interior linemen don’t come at a discount-especially not ones with Edwards’ track record and durability.
For the Raiders, though, this is exactly the kind of move that makes sense. They’re not just plugging a hole-they’re laying a foundation.
If Mendoza is going to be the face of the franchise, he needs a stable pocket and a clean jersey. Bringing in someone like Edwards provides that, while also sending a clear message: this team is serious about building from the inside out.
And with Klint Kubiak set to take over as head coach, that philosophy fits. Kubiak comes from a system that values zone blocking, timing, and discipline up front-all traits Edwards has shown throughout his career. His addition would give the Raiders a veteran presence who can anchor the line, mentor younger players, and help implement Kubiak’s scheme from Day 1.
The bottom line? If the Raiders want to turn the page and start a new chapter with a young quarterback at the helm, it starts with the offensive line.
David Edwards may not be a flashy signing, but he could be a foundational one. And in Vegas, where the stakes are always high, that kind of bet might just pay off.