Las Vegas Raiders free-agent targets: Who they should re-sign and tracking the new deals
.jpg "Cornerback J.C. Jackson, left, and wide receivers Allen Robinson and D.J. Chark are available NFL free agents in 2022.")
It is a big week for NFL teams, as the free agency period officially opens Monday, with teams allowed to formally negotiate contract terms ahead of actually signing deals two days later.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, they need to make a big splash this time around considering what the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers did on the trade market this past week.
The Broncos agreed to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. The Chargers countered with a deal with the Chicago Bears to acquire star pass rusher Khalil Mack.
It is a loaded AFC West and the Raiders need to come out and make a splash.
The Raiders already have most of the pieces on offense, but have lacked a true topflight No. 1 receiver for several seasons.
On defense, key components are in place there, too, led by pass-rusher Maxx Crosby, who recently signed an extension. Las Vegas still needs to address big needs on the defensive line and in the secondary, considering the arms they’ll face in AFC West quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Wilson.
The Raiders have enough cap space to make some big moves. Entering Monday’s free agency period, the Raiders have $32.5 million with which to work. That doesn’t include the release of linebacker Cory Littleton, which the adjusted cap space will go into effect June 2.
The Raiders have 24 players of their own who are set to hit free agency, including defensive tackles Johnathan Hankins, Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson.
Needless to say, the Raiders, led by general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, have more than enough room to make big waves in free agency.
Whom should Raiders re-sign among their own free agents?
The Raiders should re-sign DTs Johnathan Hankins, Quinton Jefferson, Darius Philon and linebacker Nicholas Morrow.
Hankins, Jefferson and Philon provided much needed help for the Raiders this past season, making key stops that helped the Raiders finish 10-7 and reach the playoffs.
Morrow was inactive during the season because of an injury suffered in training camp, but when healthy he can be a factor for the Raiders.
Solomon Thomas is another defensive tackle they should consider keeping, as well as wide receiver Zay Jones — a reliable target for quarterback Derek Carr.
Which new free-agent players should Raiders target?
Obviously, the Raiders won’t be in on every player, but that doesn’t mean they can’t pursue some of the elite free agents.
Here’s a look at some of the bigger names they should consider, listed by position and from best to least in the order of the impact they could make.
Offensive line: G Austin Corbett, T Mike Remmers, G Andrew Norwell, T Duane Brown, T Nate Solder, G Will Hernandez, G Riley Reiff.
Wide receivers: Allen Robinson, D.J. Chark (agrees to terms with Detroit), Odell Beckham Jr., Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jamison Crowder, Juju Smith-Schuster, Sammy Watkins, T.Y. Hilton, A.J. Green.
Linebackers: De’Vondre Campbell, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Kyzir White, Kwon Alexander, Foye Olukun, Dante Fowler, Kyle Van Noy, Jaylon Smith.
Defensive tackle: Calais Campbell, Sebastian Joseph-Day (agrees to terms with Los Angeles Chargers), Akiem Hicks, B.J. Hill, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Linval Joseph, Anthony Hitchens, Harrison Phillips.
Cornerbacks: J.C. Jackson (agrees to terms with Los Angeles Chargers), Stephon Gilmore, Casey Hayward Jr., Chavarius Ward (agrees to terms with San Francisco), Joe Haden, D.J. Reed (agrees to terms with New York Jets), Darious Williams, Levi Wallace, Desmond King, Rasul Douglas, Chris Harris, Tre Flowers.
Safeties: Marcus Williams, Marcus Maye, DeShon Elliott, Tashaun Gipson.
Free agency tracker
Who have the Raiders signed and who still might be possibilities?
Check back throughout the free agency period as we update this story with details on the signings and contract terms.
▪ The Raiders agree to terms with cornerback Darius Phillips, formerly with the Cincinnati Bengals.
▪ On Wednesday, the Raiders agreed to terms with defensive tackle Bilal Nicholas. He played with the Chicago Bears last season.
▪ The Raiders, on Thursday, agreed to terms with four-time Pro Bowler and pass rusher Chandler Jones. The Raiders then dealt defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
▪ The Raiders agreed to terms with running back Brandon Bolden.
This story was originally published March 13, 2022 at 4:10 PM.
