Roster Adjustments Strengthen Squad for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders prepare for the upcoming NFL season, a series of strategic roster adjustments have positioned the team to address past weaknesses and build a more balanced, competitive squad. From signing impactful free agents to drafting promising rookies and refining depth at key positions, each move has been carefully calibrated to complement the Raiders’ existing core talent—strengthening both the offense and defense while enhancing flexibility for in-game adjustments. These adjustments aren’t just about adding bodies; they’re about filling specific gaps that held the team back last season, such as a inconsistent secondary and thin offensive line depth. Roster Adjustments Strengthen Squad for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how these targeted changes are transforming the Raiders into a more formidable contender, with a focus on the players and positions that will drive success in the coming year.

One of the most impactful roster adjustments the Raiders made was signing free agent cornerback Patrick Peterson to a two-year contract, a move designed to shore up a secondary that struggled with coverage last season. Peterson, a three-time All-Pro with 14 years of NFL experience, brings both skill and leadership to a young Raiders defensive backfield. Last season, the Raiders ranked 22nd in the league in passing yards allowed per game, and opposing quarterbacks completed 66% of their passes against them—statistics Peterson is expected to improve. His ability to lock down top wide receivers in man coverage will also allow the Raiders to use more aggressive blitz packages, as opposing offenses can no longer target a weak spot in the secondary. “Patrick is a proven playmaker who knows how to win in big moments,” said Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He’s not just going to help us on the field—he’s going to mentor our young corners, like Amik Robertson and Nate Hobbs, and make our entire secondary better.” In OTAs this offseason, Peterson has already made his presence felt, intercepting two passes in team drills and providing tips to younger players between reps. Roster Adjustments Strengthen Squad for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that Peterson’s signing is a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defensive overhaul, addressing a critical weakness with a player who can immediately elevate the unit.

Another key roster adjustment came in the NFL Draft, where the Raiders selected offensive tackle Jalen Carter with the 12th overall pick to bolster their offensive line. The Raiders’ line struggled with pass protection last season, allowing 48 sacks—tied for the 7th most in the league—and limiting the team’s ability to sustain long drives. Carter, a standout at the University of Georgia, is a physical, technically sound tackle who excels at both run-blocking and pass-blocking, making him an ideal fit for the Raiders’ zone-based run scheme and pass-heavy offensive packages. He’s expected to start at right tackle from day one, replacing veteran Brandon Parker, who struggled with consistency last year. “Jalen is the kind of player who can change the fortunes of an offensive line,” said Raiders offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “He has the size, strength, and football IQ to hold his own against the league’s top edge rushers, and he’ll open up running lanes for Josh Jacobs. This pick was about securing our quarterback’s blind side and giving our offense a foundation to build on.” Carter’s addition also provides depth, as he can shift to left tackle if starter Kolton Miller misses time due to injury—a luxury the Raiders didn’t have last season. Roster Adjustments Strengthen Squad for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that Carter’s draft selection is a long-term investment in the Raiders’ offense, ensuring stability up front for years to come.

The Las Vegas Raiders further strengthened their squad by re-signing tight end Foster Moreau to a three-year contract, a move that retains a key playmaker in the passing game and solidifies depth at the position. Moreau emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo last season, catching 42 passes for 470 yards and 5 touchdowns—including a game-winning score against the Kansas City Chiefs. His ability to block in the run game and stretch the field in the passing game makes him a versatile weapon, and his chemistry with Garoppolo was evident in critical moments. Letting Moreau walk in free agency would have left the Raiders with a gaping hole at tight end, as backup Luke Willson lacks the same playmaking ability. “Foster is a vital part of our offense,” said Raiders offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. “He’s the kind of player who can line up in the slot, inline, or out wide, and he forces defenses to adjust. Re-signing him ensures we keep a key piece of our passing game intact and gives Jimmy another trusted target.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to prioritize Moreau also reflects their focus on retaining core talent, as he joins Jacobs and Adams as key offensive players locked up long-term. Roster Adjustments Strengthen Squad for the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ re-signing of Moreau is a strategic move to maintain offensive continuity, ensuring the team doesn’t lose momentum from last season’s high-scoring success.

A fourth roster adjustment that strengthens the Las Vegas Raiders is the signing of free agent defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to a one-year contract, adding depth and pass-rushing prowess to the defensive line. Ngakoue, a seven-year veteran with 65.5 career sacks, will complement starters Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby, giving the Raiders one of the most feared edge-rushing trios in the league. Last season, the Raiders ranked 11th in sacks, but they often faded in the fourth quarter due to fatigue—an issue Ngakoue’s addition will solve. His ability to come off the bench and generate pressure will allow the Raiders to keep Crosby and Jones fresh, ensuring the pass rush remains effective throughout the game. “Yannick is a proven sack artist who knows how to disrupt opposing quarterbacks,” said Graham. “Having him in our rotation means we can keep the pressure on for 60 minutes, and he’ll make life easier for our secondary by forcing quick throws. This signing takes our defense to another level.” The Las Vegas Raiders also value Ngakoue’s leadership, as he’s known for his work ethic and ability to motivate teammates—qualities that will benefit young defensive linemen like Tyree Wilson. Roster Adjustments Strengthen Squad for the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ signing of Ngakoue is a win-now move that addresses a specific need, while also providing mentorship to the team’s young talent.

The final roster adjustment that strengthens the Las Vegas Raiders is the addition of free agent safety Marcus Maye to a two-year contract, completing the team’s secondary overhaul. Maye, a former Pro Bowler, brings ball-hawking ability and run-stopping toughness to the safety position, where the Raiders struggled with inconsistency last season. He’s expected to start alongside Tre’von Moehrig, forming a dynamic duo that can both cover deep passes and support the run. Maye’s presence will also allow the Raiders to use more two-deep safety looks, a scheme Graham has wanted to implement but couldn’t due to past personnel limitations. “Marcus is a versatile safety who can do it all,” Graham said. “He can cover tight ends, stop the run, and make interceptions—something we desperately needed. With him and Patrick Peterson in the secondary, we’ll be able to match up with any offense in the league.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ signing of Maye also reflects their commitment to building a balanced team, as they’ve now addressed both offensive and defensive needs through roster adjustments. Roster Adjustments Strengthen Squad for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ series of roster adjustments—from free agent signings to draft picks and re-signings—have transformed the team into a more complete, competitive squad. By targeting specific weaknesses and complementing existing talent, the Raiders have positioned themselves to contend for a playoff spot in the loaded AFC, with a roster that has both the skill and depth to handle the rigors of a 17-game season. As training camp approaches, these adjustments will continue to gel, and the Raiders will look to turn their offseason success into wins on the field.