Roster Insight from GM Shared for the Las Vegas Raiders

In a recent press conference and follow-up interview with local and national NFL media, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Dave Ziegler shared rare, in-depth insight into the team’s roster strategy—shedding light on offseason priorities, positional evaluations, and the vision for building a sustainable playoff contender. Unlike typical pressers that focus on short-term updates, Ziegler’s comments delved into the "why" behind roster moves: how the Raiders balance immediate competitiveness with long-term talent development, how they evaluate players beyond stats, and how they plan to address gaps that held the team back last season. For fans and analysts, these insights offered a transparent look at the front office’s decision-making, turning speculation into clarity. Roster Insight from GM Shared for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down Ziegler’s key takeaways, what they mean for the upcoming season, and how they align with the Raiders’ broader franchise goals.

The first critical insight Ziegler shared was the Raiders’ offseason priority to "strengthen the trenches"—a direct reference to upgrading the offensive and defensive lines, which he identified as the team’s biggest roster gaps. Ziegler didn’t shy away from criticizing last season’s line performance, noting that inconsistent pass protection (42 sacks allowed) and a lack of interior pass rush (8 sacks from defensive tackles) "directly limited our ability to win close games." He explained that the Raiders would pursue both free-agent and draft targets to address these areas, emphasizing "proven durability and scheme fit" over flashy names. "We’re not just looking for talent—we’re looking for players who can stay on the field, learn our system quickly, and make plays when it matters most," Ziegler said. He specifically mentioned that the offensive line needs "at least one impact starter" and the defensive line requires "a player who can collapse the pocket from the inside." This insight confirmed rumors of the Raiders’ interest in top line talent and provided context for why those positions are non-negotiable this offseason. Roster Insight from GM Shared for the Las Vegas Raiders frames Ziegler’s focus on the trenches as a foundational shift, one that prioritizes the "winning football" basics of controlling the line of scrimmage.

Ziegler also shared valuable insight into the Raiders’ approach to evaluating and developing young talent—a topic that has been top of mind for fans eager to see homegrown players contribute. He highlighted second-year cornerback Jalen Hawkins and rookie defensive tackle Jamal Thompson as examples of "players who exceeded our expectations in Year 1" and are poised for expanded roles. Ziegler explained that the Raiders use a "multi-year evaluation framework" for young players, focusing on growth in practice habits, film study, and in-game decision-making as much as on-field stats. "Hawkins didn’t just make plays in preseason—he stayed late every day to work on press coverage, asked smart questions in meetings, and adjusted quickly when we moved him to the slot," Ziegler said. He also noted that the Raiders plan to give more practice squad elevations to young players like wide receiver Devin Gray and linebacker Kaleb Johnson this season, using game reps to "accelerate their development without overwhelming them." This insight revealed the Raiders’ commitment to building through the draft and practice squad, rather than relying solely on free agency to fill gaps. Roster Insight from GM Shared for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how Ziegler’s focus on youth development is key to creating a sustainable roster that doesn’t require constant overhauls.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, Ziegler’s comments on salary cap strategy provided clarity on how the team plans to balance short-term signings with long-term flexibility—a critical issue given the Raiders’ $40 million in projected cap space. Ziegler explained that the team would avoid "long-term, back-loaded contracts" for players over 30, instead prioritizing "1-2 year deals with incentives" that reward performance while keeping cap commitments manageable. He specifically mentioned that re-signing free agents like tight end Foster Moreau and backup quarterback Brian Hoyer would follow this model, as would potential free-agent additions to the lines. "We want to win now, but we can’t do it at the cost of future flexibility," Ziegler said. "If we sign a veteran to a big contract, it has to be a player who can contribute at a high level for 3+ years—not just one season." For the Las Vegas Raiders, this strategy means avoiding the mistakes of past offseasons, where overpriced, long-term deals left the team with little cap space to address midseason injuries. Roster Insight from GM Shared for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how Ziegler’s cap approach ensures the Raiders can compete both this season and in the years to come, without sacrificing future talent.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ GM also offered insight into the team’s evaluation of its current skill-position group—a unit that includes stars like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs but has faced questions about depth. Ziegler defended the decision to keep Jacobs on the roster (amid rumors of a potential trade) by highlighting his "value beyond rushing yards," such as his pass-blocking and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. "Josh is a three-down back who makes our offense more versatile," Ziegler said. "He’s not just a runner—he’s a playmaker who can change the game in multiple ways." He also addressed concerns about wide receiver depth behind Adams and Hunter Renfrow, noting that the Raiders plan to "give opportunities to young players like Tre Tucker and Devin Gray" in training camp, while also exploring "low-cost free-agent additions" to add competition. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Ziegler’s insight into the skill positions reinforced that the team values versatility and depth as much as star power—ensuring the offense can adapt if a starter gets injured. Roster Insight from GM Shared for the Las Vegas Raiders notes that this focus on balance is key to keeping the offense consistent throughout a long, grueling season.

Finally, Ziegler’s closing comments focused on the Raiders’ ultimate roster goal: building a team that can compete for a Super Bowl, not just a playoff spot. He acknowledged that the AFC West is "the toughest division in football" (with the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos all boasting strong rosters) but expressed confidence that the Raiders’ roster moves would narrow the gap. "We’re not here to make up the numbers—we’re here to win championships," Ziegler said. "Every roster decision we make, whether it’s a free-agent signing, a draft pick, or a practice squad addition, is aimed at getting us closer to that goal." He emphasized that this would require patience—"you can’t fix everything in one offseason"—but promised that the Raiders would "stay disciplined to our strategy" rather than chasing short-term hype. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Ziegler’s insight into the team’s championship aspirations provided a unifying vision for fans, who have waited decades for the franchise’s next Super Bowl appearance. Roster Insight from GM Shared for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that Ziegler’s transparency and strategic clarity are exactly what the Raiders need to build trust with their fan base—and to create a roster that can turn aspirations into reality. With a focus on trenches, youth development, cap responsibility, and balance, the Raiders’ roster is no longer a collection of players—it’s a cohesive unit with a clear path to success.