The Las Vegas Raiders are making bold moves this offseason, and they’re not shying away from addressing their most pressing needs. While all eyes are on the upcoming draft and the likely selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, the Raiders are also focusing on fortifying their offensive line-a crucial area that struggled significantly last season.
The signing of center Tyler Linderbaum was a major step in the right direction. His hefty contract might raise eyebrows, but if his performance lives up to expectations, he could be worth every dollar.
However, the work doesn’t stop there. The Raiders needed to bolster their line further, particularly on the right side, and they’ve taken another step by bringing in former San Francisco 49ers guard Spencer Burford.
Burford, who was a fourth-round pick by the Niners in 2022, is a promising addition at just 25 years old. He’s amassed solid experience over four seasons, appearing in 56 games with 38 starts. His versatility is a plus, having played both guard positions, though he’s primarily been at right guard early in his career before shifting to left guard.
The Raiders’ plan with Burford remains to be seen. He could provide much-needed depth or even compete for a starting spot alongside players like Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers. With the draft approaching, Las Vegas might still be eyeing more talent to inject into the lineup.
Klint Kubiak, familiar with Burford from his time in San Francisco, undoubtedly sees value in this connection. While Burford’s stint under Kubiak wasn’t his standout year, starting 13 games is no small feat and speaks to his reliability.
As the Raiders gear up for offseason workouts starting around April 6, all eyes will be on how this revamped offensive line shapes up. The hope is for a smooth transition and a solidified unit that can protect their new quarterback and power their offense.
In Burford, the Raiders have secured a player who brings experience in outside zone blocking schemes and familiarity with Kubiak’s system. Whether he becomes a key starter or remains a reliable depth option, this move by John Spytek and Kubiak is another strategic step in their offseason overhaul.