Candidate Assessments Before Deadline for the Las Vegas Raiders

With the NFL’s trade deadline and free-agent signing window fast approaching, the Las Vegas Raiders’ front office—led by general manager Tom Telesco—has kicked into high gear, conducting rigorous assessments of potential candidates to address key roster gaps. These evaluations, which blend film study, in-person workouts, medical checks, and character references, are critical for the Raiders as they aim to strengthen their playoff push while balancing long-term roster stability. Unlike casual scouting, deadline-focused assessments prioritize immediate impact, positional fit, and cost-effectiveness—ensuring any addition aligns with head coach Antonio Pierce’s system and the team’s salary cap constraints. Candidate Assessments Before Deadline for the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the team’s evaluation process, the positions they’re targeting most, and how these assessments are shaping their deadline strategy.

Candidate Assessments Before Deadline for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the Raiders’ focus on offensive line candidates, a top priority after injuries and inconsistent play have left the unit vulnerable. Telesco’s team has spent weeks analyzing available offensive tackles and guards, with a specific focus on players who can step into a rotational or starting role immediately. One key candidate under evaluation is a veteran tackle from a rebuilding team, whose film shows strong pass-blocking skills—critical for protecting quarterback Aidan O’Connell—but inconsistent run-blocking. The Raiders’ scouting staff has broken down his last 10 games, noting his ability to handle elite edge rushers (allowing just one sack in matchups against Pro Bowl-caliber players) but also his tendency to struggle with power rushers. They’ve also conducted a virtual interview to gauge his familiarity with the Raiders’ zone-blocking scheme, a key factor in determining his readiness to contribute quickly. “Offensive line additions can’t afford a learning curve this late in the season,” Telesco said in a recent press briefing. “We’re looking for guys who can absorb our system fast and make an impact in Week 8 or 9. Every rep we spend teaching basics is a rep we lose on game-day execution.” The assessment also includes input from Pierce and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who weigh in on how each candidate’s style fits the team’s on-field needs.

Another critical area of assessment is the Raiders’ search for a backup tight end, a need that emerged after starter Foster Moreau suffered a knee injury in Week 6. The front office has narrowed down a list of three free-agent candidates, each evaluated on a mix of pass-catching ability, blocking skills, and special teams experience—since the backup tight end is expected to contribute on special teams units. One candidate, a former third-round pick with three years of NFL experience, has stood out for his red-zone production (12 career touchdowns) but has limited blocking reps. The Raiders’ staff has reviewed his college and pro film to assess his potential as a blocker, even bringing him in for a private workout to test his ability to execute the team’s blocking assignments. They’ve also checked in with his former coaches to confirm his work ethic and adaptability, key traits for a player joining a team midseason. “Backup tight end isn’t a ‘luxury’ position for us right now—it’s a necessity,” said Raiders tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski. “We need someone who can step in and catch passes in the red zone, but also block when we run the ball. Our assessment has to be thorough because this player could be the difference in a close game.” The Raiders have also factored in salary demands, ensuring the candidate’s contract fits within their remaining cap space without limiting future moves.

A key aspect of Candidate Assessments Before Deadline for the Las Vegas Raiders is the team’s rigorous medical evaluation process, which has become a non-negotiable step for all candidates—and a reflection of the Las Vegas Raiders’ commitment to avoiding short-term fixes that risk long-term roster damage. For every potential addition, the Raiders’ medical staff reviews three years of injury history, conducts a physical (or reviews recent physicals from the candidate’s current team), and consults with specialists to assess any chronic issues. For example, when evaluating a veteran defensive end with a history of ankle injuries, the medical team analyzed his recent MRI results and spoke with his former team’s athletic trainer to understand his rehab routine and recurrence risk. They determined his ankle is stable enough for rotational play but advised against relying on him for more than 30 snaps per game—a detail that shaped the Raiders’ offer and expected role. “We’ve learned the hard way that skipping medical due diligence costs us later,” Telesco said. “A player might look great on film, but if he’s carrying an unaddressed injury, he could be a liability. For the Las Vegas Raiders, health assessments aren’t just a box to check—they’re a foundational part of our decision-making.” This focus on health has also helped the Raiders avoid costly mistakes, like overcommitting to players who can’t stay on the field.

Another layer of the Raiders’ candidate assessments is the evaluation of character and locker room fit, a priority Pierce has emphasized since taking over as head coach. The team’s staff conducts extensive background checks, speaking with former teammates, coaches, and even strength trainers to gauge a candidate’s work ethic, attitude, and ability to adapt to a new team. When assessing a free-agent wide receiver with a history of limited playing time, the Raiders spoke to his former quarterback, who praised his willingness to take on special teams roles and support starters—traits that align with Pierce’s “team-first” culture. They also reviewed his off-field conduct, ensuring he has no history of disciplinary issues that could disrupt the locker room. “Talent gets you in the door, but character keeps you here,” Pierce said. “We’re building a culture of accountability and unity, so every candidate we bring in has to fit that. Our assessments don’t stop at what they do on the field—we need to know who they are off it.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this character evaluation has become just as important as on-field skill, especially during the deadline rush, when teams often prioritize talent over fit. This approach has helped them avoid adding players who might clash with the team’s existing dynamic, preserving the cohesion they’ve built this season.

Wrapping up Candidate Assessments Before Deadline for the Las Vegas Raiders is how these evaluations are guiding the team’s final deadline moves—and balancing short-term playoff needs with long-term roster building for the Las Vegas Raiders. Telesco’s team has created a “priority matrix” for candidates, ranking them by immediate impact (1–5), cost (1–5), and future value (1–5). Candidates with high marks in immediate impact and moderate cost (like the veteran offensive tackle) are at the top, while those with high future value but low immediate impact are being considered for post-deadline signings. The Raiders have also left room for flexibility, keeping a list of “fallback candidates” in case top targets are traded to other teams. “Deadline moves are about balance—you don’t want to mortgage the future for a one-year push, but you also don’t want to miss a chance to win now,” Telesco said. “Our assessments help us find that middle ground, ensuring every move we make serves both our playoff goals and our long-term plan.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, these assessments aren’t just a pre-deadline task—they’re a reflection of their commitment to building a sustainable winner. As the deadline approaches, the front office and coaching staff will continue to refine their evaluations, knowing that the right addition could be the difference between a playoff berth and a missed opportunity. Candidate Assessments Before Deadline for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately shows that in the high-pressure world of NFL deadlines, success isn’t just about finding talent—it’s about finding the right talent, at the right time, for the right team.