The Las Vegas Raiders have many needs as they begin free agency next week.
Let’s rank their top needs on the veteran market, which is different than their early-round draft needs.
There has been media speculation the Raiders will pursue up to two veterans in the free-agent market. That makes sense. they have some young players they spent solid draft ammo on, so they will get a chance. But this unit needs re-enforcements and free agency is a way to do it.
The Raiders are pretty are at this position as they move to a 3-4 defensive front. They will pursue linebackers in both free agency and the draft. They badly need some veteran presence at this position.
New coach Klint Kubiak’s offense needs a veteran presence at wide receiver to go along with some youth. There are some free agents who have history with Kubiak and this is a need area.
This is a big need as well and could become even more of a need depending on what happens with Maxx Crosby’s future. Also, the is a need at nose tackle with the move to the 3-4 base defense.
This is also a big need. Expect the Raiders try to add a starting quality cornerback even if they retain in-house free agent Eric Stokes.
Kubiak is on the record as saying he wants a second tailback to pair with second-year starter Ashton Jeanty. Expect it to be more of a complimentary back, but adding one is a priority.
We all expect Fernando Mendoza to be the Raiders’ future starter. But general manager John Spytek has said he is not a fan of starting a rookie Week 1. So, the team may have to add a veteran to start right away and groom Mendoza.
How would you rank the Raiders’ needs in free agency?