Firepower Addition Rumored for Line of the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders look to upgrade their roster for a deeper playoff push, recent rumors have swirled around potential "firepower additions" to their lines—both the offensive line (OL) and defensive line (DL), units that directly shape the team’s ability to score points and stop opponents. For the Raiders, "firepower" here means more than just talent; it’s about adding players who can immediately elevate production: a dominant offensive lineman to protect the quarterback and open running lanes, or a dynamic defensive lineman to disrupt opposing offenses and generate turnovers. These rumors, fueled by league insiders and salary cap projections, come at a critical time—with the Raiders needing to fix inconsistent line play that held them back last season. Firepower Addition Rumored for Line of the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the most credible targets, how they fit the Raiders’ system, and why these additions could turn the team’s lines from weaknesses into strengths.

The first major rumor centers on the Raiders’ interest in veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams, a 10-time Pro Bowler widely regarded as one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Williams, who has spent the last four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, is set to become a free agent after declining a contract extension with San Francisco—and NFL Network reports that the Raiders have "expressed serious interest" in his services. For the Raiders, Williams would be a transformative addition to the offensive line, which allowed 42 sacks last season (10th-most in the NFL) and struggled to protect Jimmy Garoppolo in pressure situations. Williams’ ability to shut down elite pass-rushers (he allowed just 1 sack in 2023) would not only keep Garoppolo healthy but also open up the Raiders’ passing game, giving Davante Adams and Darren Waller more time to get open. His run-blocking skills—he graded as the NFL’s top tackle in run blocking by Pro Football Focus last season—would also boost Josh Jacobs’ rushing production. While Williams would command a high salary (projected \(22–\)25 million per year), the Raiders have $40 million in cap space, making the move financially viable. Firepower Addition Rumored for Line of the Las Vegas Raiders frames Williams as a "franchise-changing" target, as he would turn the OL from a liability into one of the league’s best.

On the defensive side, rumors point to the Raiders pursuing free agent defensive tackle Chris Jones, a Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler who has been a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ DL for years. Jones, who recorded 10.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits last season, is expected to be one of the top DL available—and ESPN sources note that the Raiders have "reached out to his representatives" to gauge interest. For the Raiders, Jones would solve their biggest defensive line issue: a lack of interior pass rush. Last season, the Raiders’ defensive tackles combined for just 8 sacks, forcing Maxx Crosby to carry most of the pass-rush load. Jones’ ability to collapse the pocket from the inside would not only add sacks but also free up Crosby to make plays on the edge, creating a "one-two punch" that few offenses could handle. His run-stopping skills (47 tackles last season) would also improve the Raiders’ rush defense, which allowed 4.6 yards per carry in 2023. While Jones is likely to demand a contract worth \(20–\)23 million per year, his versatility (he can play tackle or end in the Raiders’ 3-4 scheme) makes him a high-value target. Firepower Addition Rumored for Line of the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how Jones would turn the DL into a dominant unit, giving the Raiders a defense that can take over games.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, rumors of a trade for Detroit Lions offensive guard Jonah Jackson offer a more cost-effective path to upgrading the offensive line. Jackson, a three-year starter and 2022 Pro Bowler, has become expendable in Detroit after the Lions drafted a guard in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft—and NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Raiders are "exploring a trade" that would send a late-round draft pick to Detroit in exchange for Jackson. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Jackson would fill a critical gap at right guard, a position that saw three different starters last season due to injuries and inconsistent play. Jackson’s consistency (he has missed just 2 games in three seasons) and pass-blocking prowess (he allowed 0 sacks in 2022) would stabilize the interior OL, working alongside center Andre James to protect Garoppolo’s blind side. His run-blocking skills would also complement Jacobs, as Jackson graded in the top 10 among guards in run blocking by PFF last season. Unlike free agency, a trade for Jackson would avoid a long-term contract commitment, letting the Raiders retain cap space for future moves. Firepower Addition Rumored for Line of the Las Vegas Raiders explores how this trade would add reliable firepower to the OL without breaking the bank.

The Las Vegas Raiders are also linked to free agent defensive end Danielle Hunter in rumors that would further boost their defensive line firepower. Hunter, who spent his entire eight-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, recorded 14.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hits last season—proving he’s still one of the league’s most feared edge rushers. Pro Football Talk reports that Hunter is "high on the Raiders’ list" because of his fit in Patrick Graham’s defensive scheme, which relies on edge rushers who can both sack the quarterback and set the edge against the run. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Hunter would pair with Crosby to form one of the NFL’s top edge-rushing duos, a combination that would force opposing quarterbacks to rush throws and limit time in the pocket. His ability to play in both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments adds flexibility, letting Graham adjust to different opponents. While Hunter would command a contract worth \(18–\)20 million per year, his durability (he played 17 games last season after missing most of 2021–2022 with injuries) and production make him a low-risk investment. Firepower Addition Rumored for Line of the Las Vegas Raiders notes that Hunter would not only add sacks but also create opportunities for other defenders, as double teams on him and Crosby would leave linebackers and secondary players free to make plays.

Finally, the collective weight of these line firepower rumors signals a clear shift in the Las Vegas Raiders’ strategy: prioritizing the trenches, where games are often won or lost. For years, the Raiders have neglected their lines in favor of skill-position talent, but these rumors show a commitment to fixing that imbalance. Whether it’s signing Williams to protect Garoppolo, adding Jones to disrupt interiors, trading for Jackson to stabilize the OL, or landing Hunter to boost the edge rush, each potential addition addresses a specific need that held the Raiders back last season. General manager Dave Ziegler hinted at this focus in a recent press conference, saying, "We know that success starts in the trenches. We’re going to do what it takes to make sure our lines have the firepower to compete with the best in the AFC." Firepower Addition Rumored for Line of the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that these rumors aren’t just speculation—they’re a blueprint for the Raiders’ success. If even one of these additions comes to fruition, the Raiders’ lines could go from holding the team back to propelling it to a division title and beyond.