The Las Vegas Raiders have a new head coach, a new general manager, and a roster fresh off an eight-win campaign. These four moves can get the Silver and Black back into postseason play.
Antonio Pierce is now the full-time head coach for the Raiders after serving in the interim role following the firing of Josh McDaniels.
Former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco guides the ship in the front office. He spent a decade with the Bolts and is often credited with being a savvy NFL Draft mind.
The Raiders roster features some premier players at their respective positions. Davante Adams is the cream of the crop at wide receiver, while Maxx Crosby is as good as any at rushing the passer. But how can the team upgrade their roster this offseason?
How will the Raiders improve their roster?
1. Draft or sign an upgrade at quarterback
Rookie Aidan O’Connell held his own after being thrust into the starting lineup midway through the 2023 regular season.
However, O’Connell’s limitations were apparent to the fan base and opponents — defenses keyed in on his deficiencies.
In a quarterback-driven league, can the #Raiders truly go into 2024 pinning its hopes that Aidan O'Connell continues his growth as QB1? IMO, the team has to make a bold move in the draft and trade up to land a prized prospect.#RaiderNation
— Ray Leonard Aspuria (@AsukalAspuria) January 29, 2024
The Raiders sit at No. 13 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, so a trade up the board is necessary for one of the top signal-callers.
Alternatively, Vegas could target a more established veteran quarterback instead. Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins profile as potential starters for the Raiders.
2. Bring in multiple run stuffers on defense
The Raiders defense kept the team afloat in the vaunted AFC. Patrick Graham’s unit played with intensity and hunger on a snap-to-snap basis.
One area where the defense was exposed was in the trenches. The depth chart lacks a building block defensive tackle, evidenced by how the Raiders got shredded in the running game most weeks.
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Adding a gap-stuffing lineman should be near the top of the priority list for Telesco — whether it’s via the NFL Draft or free agency.
3. Beef up the offensive line
The other side of the trenches could use some work, as well. Primarily the interior of the offensive line.
Center Andre James and guard Greg Van Roten showed up for Vegas in 2023, but the unit must add another capable body at the other guard spot.
Free agent guard Michael Onwenu will hit the open market, where the Raiders can bid for his talents.
In the draft, interior players like Graham Barton (Duke), Cooper Beebe (Kansas State), and Troy Fautanu (Washington) are all instant starters on Sundays.
4. Let Josh Jacobs walk in free agency
Josh Jacobs spent most of the previous offseason in a stalemate with the Raiders, as neither side would budge on a contract extension.
Jacobs ultimately signed a one-year deal with Vegas, ensuring he would hit free agency or be slapped with the franchise tag this coming offseason.
The Raiders would be wise to let the former All-Pro walk. Jacobs set a career-low in efficiency in 2023, sitting at an abysmal 3.5 yards per carry, well below the league average for running backs.
It’s a tough conversation for some due to player attachment, but as some point out—why pay Josh Jacobs?Other than “he’s a true Raider” as @RRICH1990 said. pic.twitter.com/pVmYBkbneb
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) January 10, 2024
He is still a solid contributor, but at his projected price tag, the Raiders can find a cheaper replacement elsewhere. The front office should use that cash to fill other holes on the roster.