Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders

This season, the Las Vegas Raiders have upgraded their roster via strategic additions—free-agent signings, midseason trades, and practice squad promotions—that fixed key weaknesses and boosted team competitiveness. Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down how these new players integrated quickly, turning close games into wins and keeping the Raiders in playoff contention. For a franchise chasing a playoff return, these moves aren’t just roster tweaks—they’re difference-makers.

Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders starts with top free-agent signing defensive tackle Justin Jones, brought in to shore up the defensive interior. The six-year veteran (formerly of the Bears) has started all 14 games, tallying 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles. In Week 9’s win over the Jets, he recorded a sack, tackle for loss, and fourth-down pass deflection to stop a scoring drive. Before Jones, the Raiders’ run defense ranked 26th; with him, it’s climbed to 15th—proof of his ability to anchor the line.

Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights midseason trade acquisition wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who returned to Las Vegas from Houston in Week 8. The former Raider has become quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s reliable slot target: in his first game back (Week 9 vs. Jets), he caught 6 passes for 72 yards, including a critical third-down reception to extend the game-winning drive. Since returning, he’s totaled 35 catches for 380 yards and 2 touchdowns, easing pressure on star Davante Adams by drawing coverage.

Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders includes practice squad promotion safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, elevated in Week 6 after Tre’von Moehrig’s hamstring injury. The undrafted free agent has exceeded expectations, starting 8 games with 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass deflections. In Week 11’s win over the Chargers, he intercepted Justin Herbert twice—including a game-sealing end-zone pick. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Pola-Mao’s emergence unearthed hidden talent, filling a safety gap while adding a young, cost-effective asset.

Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders turns to free-agent guard Greg Van Roten, signed for depth but thrust into the starting lineup in Week 5 after Dylan Parham’s knee injury. The 10-year veteran has started 9 games, playing 98% of snaps and allowing just 1 sack. In Week 13’s win over the Bills, he blocked Ed Oliver to open a 25-yard touchdown run for Zamir White. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Van Roten stabilized an offensive line plagued by injuries last season, keeping the run and pass games on track.

Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders spotlights late-season trade pickup edge rusher Josh Uche, acquired from New England in Week 14 to deepen the pass rush. The fourth-year player (18 career sacks) has become a key rotational piece, notching 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss in his first 3 games. In Week 15’s win over the Chargers, he sacked Herbert on third down, forcing a punt that led to the game-winning field goal. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Uche’s speed off the edge keeps Maxx Crosby fresh and gives offenses another threat—critical for the stretch run.

Additions Bolster Strength for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with how these moves transformed the Raiders’ trajectory. Projected to finish last in the AFC West, they now hold the seventh wild-card spot. The additions fixed needs (defensive line, slot receiver, safety, offensive line, pass rush) without sacrificing future assets. “We added talented players who fit our culture,” said GM Tom Telesco. For Raiders Nation, these moves reignite playoff hope; for the Las Vegas Raiders, they’re a blueprint for sustainable success. As coach Antonio Pierce put it: “We win with great players and people—we’ve added both.”