Free Agency Rumors Swirl Around the Las Vegas Raiders

As the NFL’s free agency period draws closer, rumors surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders’ potential targets and roster moves have intensified, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. These rumors—fueled by league insiders, agent discussions, and the Raiders’ known roster gaps—offer a glimpse into how the team might address key weaknesses this offseason, from shoring up the defensive line to adding depth in the secondary. While not all rumors will materialize into signings, they provide critical context for understanding the Raiders’ priorities: building a competitive roster that can contend for a playoff spot while staying mindful of long-term salary cap flexibility. Free Agency Rumors Swirl Around the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the most credible rumors, their implications for the team, and why each potential move could shape the Raiders’ success in the upcoming season.

The first major rumor gaining traction involves the Raiders’ interest in veteran defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, a proven pass-rusher with 71.5 career sacks over eight NFL seasons. Ngakoue, who spent last season with the Chicago Bears (recording 9 sacks and 15 quarterback hits), is expected to be one of the top defensive ends available in free agency—and league sources told ESPN that the Raiders have already reached out to his representatives for preliminary discussions. The Raiders’ interest in Ngakoue makes sense: their pass rush has relied heavily on Maxx Crosby in recent years, and adding a second elite edge rusher would alleviate pressure on Crosby and create more opportunities for the defense to generate turnovers. Ngakoue’s ability to play in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes also aligns with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s flexible system. While Ngakoue is likely to command a contract worth \(15–\)18 million per year, the Raiders have approximately $40 million in projected salary cap space, making this move financially feasible. Free Agency Rumors Swirl Around the Las Vegas Raiders frames this rumor as a potential game-changer, as Ngakoue would turn the Raiders’ pass rush from a strength into a dominant force.

Another prominent rumor centers on the Raiders’ pursuit of free agent cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, a six-year veteran who revived his career with the Cincinnati Bengals last season. Awuzie, who missed most of 2022 with a knee injury, returned in 2023 to record 65 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, emerging as a reliable shutdown cornerback against top wide receivers. The Raiders’ secondary has been a weakness for years (allowing 252 passing yards per game last season), and adding Awuzie would address their need for a No. 2 cornerback opposite Amik Robertson. NFL Network reported that Awuzie is “high on the Raiders’ list” because of his physical style of play and ability to excel in both man and zone coverage—traits that Graham values in his defensive backs. While Awuzie may not be the flashiest name in free agency, he offers consistency and durability (playing in 15 games last season), making him a low-risk, high-reward target. Free Agency Rumors Swirl Around the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how this signing could stabilize the secondary, reducing the pressure on the Raiders’ pass rush and limiting opposing offenses’ big-play potential.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, rumors about re-signing their own free agent, tight end Foster Moreau, have also generated significant buzz among fans. Moreau, who has spent his entire five-year career with the Raiders, emerged as a reliable backup to Darren Waller last season, catching 34 passes for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns. With Waller entering the final year of his contract, re-signing Moreau would provide the Raiders with continuity at tight end and a potential replacement if Waller departs in 2025. Pro Football Talk reported that the Raiders have “expressed interest” in bringing Moreau back, though contract negotiations have not yet begun in earnest. Moreau’s familiarity with the Raiders’ offense—he knows Jimmy Garoppolo’s tendencies and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi’s playbook—makes him a valuable asset, as he could step into a larger role immediately if needed. For the Las Vegas Raiders, re-signing Moreau is also a cost-effective move: he is likely to command a contract worth \(4–\)6 million per year, well below the salary of top-tier free agent tight ends. Free Agency Rumors Swirl Around the Las Vegas Raiders explores how this rumor reflects the Raiders’ commitment to retaining homegrown talent and building continuity within the offense.

The Las Vegas Raiders are also linked to free agent running back Josh Jacobs in a surprising twist, despite reports that the team may let him test the open market. Jacobs, who has been the Raiders’ starting running back since 2019 (recording 5,502 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns), is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the Raiders declined to place the franchise tag on him. However, recent rumors from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport suggest that the Raiders “haven’t closed the door” on re-signing Jacobs, especially if his market value falls below expectations. Jacobs’ production has been inconsistent in recent years (he rushed for 805 yards last season, down from 1,653 in 2022), but he remains a valuable asset in short-yardage situations and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. For the Las Vegas Raiders, re-signing Jacobs would avoid a major hole at running back and allow them to focus on other positions in free agency—though it would likely require a one or two-year contract with incentives to protect the team’s cap space. Free Agency Rumors Swirl Around the Las Vegas Raiders notes that this rumor highlights the Raiders’ balancing act: retaining a fan favorite while ensuring they don’t overcommit to a position that has become less valuable in the modern NFL.

Finally, rumors about the Raiders’ interest in free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins have sparked controversy, with some analysts questioning whether the team would pursue a veteran signal-caller to replace Jimmy Garoppolo. Cousins, who spent the last six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (throwing for 4,547 yards and 29 touchdowns last season), is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks available in free agency—and Fox Sports reported that the Raiders are “monitoring his situation” as a potential backup plan if Garoppolo struggles or is injured. However, this rumor is viewed as less credible by many insiders: the Raiders signed Garoppolo to a three-year, \(72.75 million contract in 2023, and moving on from him this soon would result in significant salary cap dead money (\)24 million). For the Las Vegas Raiders, pursuing Cousins would also signal a shift in strategy—prioritizing a proven veteran over developing younger quarterbacks like Aidan O’Connell. While the rumor has generated excitement among fans eager for a franchise quarterback, it remains unlikely unless the Raiders can restructure Garoppolo’s contract or find a trade partner. Free Agency Rumors Swirl Around the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that this rumor, while speculative, underscores the high stakes of the Raiders’ offseason: every move (or non-move) will shape their ability to compete in a loaded AFC West division.