This offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders undertook a significant roster overhaul through GM Mode on StickToTheModel, implementing a proactive strategy aimed at leveraging their robust salary cap space. The objective was clear: reshape the roster, attract top talent in free agency, and lay the groundwork for a new quarterback via the draft.
Starting Cap Space: $91.5 million
Final Cap Space: $19.7 million
Players Cut: 5
Contracts Restructured: 5
Trades Made: 2
Free Agents Signed: 15
Draft Picks: 13
Overall Grade: A
This offseason was characterized by a high volume of activity, featuring substantial roster changes, significant investments, and a clear long-term vision.
Cap Moves and Roster Changes
Five players were released to create room for new acquisitions:
- Alex Cappa – Cap Savings: $5.0 million
- Phillip Dorsett – Cap Savings: $1.3 million
- Jamin Davis – Cap Savings: $1.2 million
- Albert Okwuegbunam – Cap Savings: $1.2 million
- Joshua Miles – Cap Savings: $1.2 million
These moves enabled the team to pursue free agency aggressively. Additionally, five contracts were restructured to enhance cap flexibility, including those of Jeremy Chinn, Maxx Crosby, Geno Smith, Tre Tucker, and Adam Butler, which collectively yielded over $38 million in cap space.
Two trades were executed: Tre Tucker was sent to San Francisco in exchange for two future draft picks, while Geno Smith was traded to the New York Jets for another valuable selection. This indicated a shift at the quarterback position and bolstered the team”s future draft capital.
Free Agency Acquisitions
The Raiders made 15 signings, emphasizing investment in their offensive and defensive lines:
- George Pickens (WR) – 4 years / $33.1 million APY
- Rasheed Walker (OT) – 3 years / $20.8 million APY
- Braden Smith (OT) – 3 years / $19.6 million APY
- Tyler Linderbaum (IOL) – 2 years / $14.5 million APY
- Kevin Zeitler (IOL) – 1 year / $7.3 million APY
- Tariq Woolen (CB) – 3 years / $17.6 million APY
- Alontae Taylor (CB) – 2 years / $12.7 million APY
- Boye Mafe (EDGE) – 2 years / $9.9 million APY
- Nakobe Dean (LB) – 3 years / $13.4 million APY
- Sheldon Rankins (DL) – 2 years / $12.8 million APY
Additional depth signings were made to ensure a well-rounded roster.
Draft Class Overview
The team utilized all 13 draft picks to reinforce their lineup, focusing on supporting their new quarterback:
- Round 1 – Pick 1: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
- Round 2 – Pick 36: Christen Miller (DL, Georgia)
- Round 3 – Pick 67: AJ Haulcy (S, LSU)
- Round 4 – Pick 102: Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan)
- Round 4 – Pick 103: Keylan Rutledge (OG, Georgia Tech)
- Round 4 – Pick 117: Will Lee III (CB, Texas A&M)
- Round 4 – Pick 127: Harold Perkins Jr. (OLB, LSU)
- Round 4 – Pick 134: JC Davis (OT, Illinois)
- Round 4 – Pick 138: Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest)
- Round 5 – Pick 174: Aaron Anderson (WR, LSU)
- Round 5 – Pick 181: Albert Regis (DL, Texas A&M)
- Round 6 – Pick 184: Marlin Klein (TE, Michigan)
- Round 7 – Pick 219: Jadon Canady (CB, Oregon)
This draft focused on securing a franchise quarterback while also strengthening both offensive and defensive lines.
In summary, the Raiders underwent a complete roster transformation, moving away from their veteran quarterback, investing in the offensive line, enhancing their secondary and front seven, and selecting a new quarterback at the top of the draft. With a strategic approach to their cap space and a comprehensive draft class, the Raiders emerge from this offseason with a renewed focus and an impressive A grade.
For those interested in managing their own team, GM Mode on StickToTheModel allows fans to take control, navigate the salary cap, make trades, sign free agents, and run the draft.
