Free agent targets that could reshape NFL teams this season
USAT’s NFL analysts are analyzing top NFL free agent options, including Jaylan Phillips and Tyler Linderbaum, during a pivotal offseason for teams.
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John Spytek probably has a lot of work to do to get the Las Vegas Raiders house in order before the arrival of Fernando Mendoza.
While he didn’t specifically name the Heisman Trophy winner and expected No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, the general manager spent last week at the NFL Scouting Combine pondering all the fundamentals to have in place before drafting a rookie quarterback.
“You want to limit the amount of pressure on that guy from the beginning,” Spytek said. “…Obviously a great offensive line, run game. All of those things could limit his chances of really getting done. And there’s also a great defense. Because I think it helps if he doesn’t have to feel like he has to score 35 points every week.”
So… about that…
After agreeing to trade five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens on Friday night, the Raiders now have an unparalleled resource to change their long-term fortunes. Not only does Las Vegas now boast 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the team’s spending power has increased to a league-high $121.7 million, according to Over the Cap.
But despite all the potential for change that awaits the franchise over the next seven weeks, the move also cemented the Silver and Black as the least entrenched roster in the league entering NFL free agency next week. And after last year’s failed attempt at returning to relevance, Spytek and co-owner Tom Brady will need to prove they can put the right pieces together for a pretty impressive build going forward.
Brady, in particular, needs to make the same second-year leap in the personnel world as he did in the broadcast booth.
It’s too early to judge last year’s draft class, but it’s clear that Spytek and Brady had a disastrous first offseason at the helm of an NFL franchise. According to The Athletic, Brady resisted the idea of signing Sam Darnold, who would go on to win Super Bowl 60 with the Seattle Seahawks. The Raiders’ trade for Geno Smith initially raised hopes that the new system would establish at least some baseline ability, but the veteran signal-caller continued to pace the NFL in interceptions (17) and sacks (55). No. 6 overall pick Ashton Giunty was left with little room after a disappointing rookie season, and the team’s other first-year players also struggled to find their way.
This dynamic resulted in head coach Pete Carroll being fired after just one year, and the organization embarking on another serious reset. The Raiders tore through defenses in releasing Crosby, whose performance and dedication set a bar that no one else in the organization came close to. Spytek and Brady have extra ammunition to shore up Mendoza’s offensive support, but the quarterback may find himself in too many high-scoring situations where his team is ill-suited to keep pace.
And the Raiders have plenty of experience getting burned by flashy offseason moves.
Spending on big names has never been an issue for a team that has whiffed on players like Christian Wilkins, Chandler Jones and Jimmy Garoppolo. But his draft record is even scarier than his run into free agency. Former general manager Mike Mayock’s whiffs in 2020 (Henry Ruggs III, Damon Arnette) and 2021 (Crelin Ferrell, Josh Jacobs, Jonathan Abram) served as a reminder that having multiple first-round picks doesn’t guarantee a difference-maker. And perhaps no other organization has profited less from as many top-100 prospects as Mark Davis’ crew.
So where do Brady and Spytech go from here, and how does the Crosby trade change offseason plans? Let’s take a look:
Raiders’ NFL free agent plans: Which top players should they sign?
Due to the wide range of needs, the Raiders are expected to be linked with just about every big name on the open market. But two players stand out above the rest: center Tyler Linderbaum and wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Linderbaum, the top true free agent on Nate Davis’ Top 100 rankings, should command market-setting compensation after earning his third straight Pro Bowl berth last season with the Baltimore Ravens. While some teams may not be willing to splurge at the position, equipping Mendoza with a savvy pivot could be one of the quickest ways to ease his adjustment to the NFL. There are so many weaknesses on the Raiders’ front that they may need to double-bottom a high-priced veteran.
Meanwhile, Pierce led the NFL in yards per catch for the second year in a row and appears to be on track to earn a significant amount of money. His proven downfield ability will certainly appeal to offenses struggling to get by amidst rampant protection issues. But he’s also thought to be leading a serious bidding war, and the Raiders will have to consider what price range they’re comfortable with. Reuniting first-year coach Clint Kubiak and speedster Rashid Shahid could also be considered. But with another early pick, the Raiders might not need to be so aggressive here.
Now that Crosby is gone, will the Raiders try to sign a big name off the cliff? It won’t be possible to replace him with a free agent, but there are some interesting options in a seriously underpowered front seven. Jaylan Phillips is the most appealing prospect, and Las Vegas could afford to pay a high price for the extremely talented 26-year-old. With the defense switching to a 3-4 format, Odafe Oweh and Boye Mafe could also be catalysts.
With Crosby gone, it could become even more important for the team to bring in a few solid starters, as the Raiders don’t have a position on defense that can shake off additional help.
And while the team’s future will be built through the draft, performing well in free agency will be critical to building the framework for the kind of success that was lacking for last year’s rookies.
Raiders’ NFL Draft Picks: Where could the team potentially go after the Crosby trade?
With the No. 14 overall pick, the Raiders could be in the best position to address the aforementioned challenges at receiver and along the offensive line.
Las Vegas is slated to take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in USA TODAY Sports’ latest NFL mock draft. He would certainly be a smart weapon to pair with tight end Brock Bowers, as well as Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. And the possibility of Mendoza reuniting with Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is sure to at least be talked about.
But if the Raiders are still frustrated before the draft, they may find a solution early on. The team could be ready to pounce if Miami’s Francis Mauigoa or Utah’s Spencer Fano go down, and either player would be valued at right tackle or guard. On the other hand, Penn State’s Olaiba Vega-Ioane could solidify a shaky interior and could easily end up at No. 14 overall.
However, finding a replacement for Crosby may be difficult. The top three edge rushers in Arbel Reese, David Bailey and Reuben Bayne Jr. will all be gone by the time the Raiders make the No. 2 pick, and there may not be any worthy replacements at that point in the draft. Oklahoma State’s R. Mason Thomas, Missouri’s Zion Young and Illinois’ Gabe Jacus could all draw attention on Day 2.
