Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Las Vegas Raiders

With the NFL regular season still in its final stretch, the Las Vegas Raiders have already shifted their focus to the upcoming free agency period, identifying key targets months ahead of time to address longstanding roster gaps. This proactive approach—unlike the last-minute signings that defined their 2023 offseason—reflects a strategic shift by general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels to build a sustainable, competitive roster. By pinpointing targets early, the Raiders can conduct thorough scouting, negotiate contracts with clarity, and avoid the rush of bidding wars that often lead to overpaying for talent. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the positions the Raiders are prioritizing, the specific players they’ve set their sights on, and how these additions could reshape the team’s fortunes in 2025.

The first position the Raiders have targeted heavily in early free agency planning is cornerback, a unit that has struggled with consistency and depth for the past two seasons. League sources close to the team confirm that the Raiders have identified two top-tier free agent cornerbacks: James Bradberry of the Philadelphia Eagles and Adoree’ Jackson of the New York Giants. Bradberry, a four-time Pro Bowler, has proven to be a reliable shutdown corner, allowing just a 58% completion rate when targeted last season and recording 3 interceptions. His ability to play both man and zone coverage aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme, which requires versatility from the secondary. Jackson, meanwhile, brings elite speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and experience as a full-time starter, making him a strong backup option if Bradberry commands a higher price tag. The Raiders’ focus on cornerback early stems from their struggles in pass defense last season, where they allowed 252 passing yards per game—19th in the NFL. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Las Vegas Raiders frames this position as a top priority, as shoring up the secondary would reduce pressure on the pass rush and limit opposing offenses’ big-play ability.

Another key position the Raiders have identified early free agency targets for is offensive guard, a spot that became a weakness after the team released veteran Alex Bars midway through the 2024 season. The Raiders’ top target at guard is Kevin Zeitler of the Baltimore Ravens, a 12-year veteran with a reputation for durability and consistency. Zeitler has started 16 games in each of the past four seasons, allowing just 2 sacks in 2024 and grading out as the NFL’s 8th-best guard according to Pro Football Focus. His physical style of blocking would complement the Raiders’ running game, which relies on strong interior line play to open holes for Josh Jacobs. The Raiders have also identified a fallback option in Graham Glasgow of the Detroit Lions, a versatile lineman who can play both guard and center—providing depth at multiple positions. The focus on offensive guard early is critical for the Raiders, as their offensive line allowed 42 sacks in 2024, hindering Jimmy Garoppolo’s ability to stay in the pocket and limiting the offense’s efficiency. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how signing a top guard would stabilize the offensive line and create a more balanced attack.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, defensive tackle is another position where early free agency planning is underway, as the team looks to add depth behind starters Bilal Nichols and Adam Butler. The Raiders’ primary target here is D.J. Reader of the Cincinnati Bengals, a 6’3”, 340-pound run-stuffer who has proven to be one of the league’s most dominant interior defenders. Reader recorded 45 tackles and 2 sacks in 2024, and his ability to clog running lanes would address the Raiders’ struggles against the run (they allowed 4.6 yards per carry last season). What makes Reader an attractive target is his durability—he’s missed just 5 games in the past five seasons—and his leadership in the locker room, a quality the Raiders value highly. For the Las Vegas Raiders, signing Reader wouldn’t just improve the run defense; it would also create competition for Nichols and Butler, pushing them to elevate their play. The Raiders have also scouted Austin Johnson of the Los Angeles Chargers as a backup option, a younger player with upside who could develop into a starter down the line. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how adding a top defensive tackle would make the Raiders’ defense more balanced and difficult to run against.

The Las Vegas Raiders have also identified early free agency targets at special teams, a unit that has been a liability in recent seasons. Their top target here is Matthew Wright, a veteran kicker who spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Wright made 88% of his field goal attempts last season, including all 12 of his tries from 40-49 yards, and he’s proven to be clutch in high-pressure situations (he made a game-winning 53-yard field goal against the Raiders in Week 8). The Raiders’ current kicker, Daniel Carlson, struggled with consistency in 2024 (making just 79% of his attempts), making kicker a priority position. The Raiders have also targeted long snapper Luke Rhodes of the Indianapolis Colts, a Pro Bowler who has never missed a snap in his eight-year career. For the Las Vegas Raiders, improving special teams is about more than just making kicks and snaps—it’s about winning the field position battle, which often dictates the outcome of close games. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Las Vegas Raiders notes that early planning for special teams targets shows the Raiders’ commitment to addressing every phase of the game, not just offense and defense.

Finally, the Raiders’ early identification of free agency targets is part of a broader strategy to build a roster with clear direction and purpose, rather than making reactive signings. By scouting players months in advance, the Raiders can align their targets with their long-term vision—prioritizing players who fit their culture, scheme, and salary cap plan. This approach also allows the Raiders to build relationships with players’ agents early, increasing the likelihood of reaching a deal quickly once free agency opens. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the goal is to avoid the mistakes of past offseasons, where last-minute signings led to overpriced contracts and players who didn’t fit the system. General manager Dave Ziegler summed up the strategy during a recent press conference: “We want to be proactive, not reactive. By identifying targets early, we can make smart decisions that help us win now and build for the future.” Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that this proactive approach to free agency is a sign of the Raiders’ maturity as an organization, and it could be the key to turning them into a consistent playoff contender in the years to come.