Joel Bitonio
Getty
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 21: Guard Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates the Browns win over the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders made a bunch of moves signing key free agents during the first week of NFL free agency, including new additions that now lead the team in total value, including Tyler Linderbaum ($81 million), Kwity Paye ($48M), Quay Walker ($40.5M), Nakobe Dean ($36M), and Jalen Nailor ($35M).
Las Vegas, as of March 16th, still has $24.7 million in available cap space. That’s plenty of money for the Raiders to bring in some key free agents who can provide a ton of value to the team.
Before the start of the offseason, Raiders general manager John Spytek made an emphasis on being “open-minded” when it comes to signing players and hiring coaches.
“I’ve always kind of thought that you’re never as good in this league as you think you are, and you’re never as far away as you think you are. We’re just going to go open-minded. The work has begun upstairs this afternoon, and I’ve got to get back up here in a little bit and keep going. But we’re going to prioritize.”
Spytek will continue to prioritize signing free agents, especially during the second wave of free agency, but here are players whom the Raiders should lure in.
Three Players the Raiders Should Lure In During Free Agency: Joel Bitonio, Guard
As it stands, the Raiders’ current starting five up front on offense includes the following:
There’s a huge question mark at left guard with Meredith, who played at center for Las Vegas last season. The Raiders have second-year guard Caleb Rogers, but with Fernando Mendoza presumably stepping into the starting quarterback role, it’s best to set him up for success from day one with the best offensive line possible.
Joel Bitonio is still one of the better guards in the NFL despite being 34 years old, playing in 1,081 snaps last season for the Cleveland Browns.
He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler who would instantly become a leader on offense and wouldn’t cost a ton of money.
Here’s more on Bitonio from ESPN: “The 12-year pro has started 178 NFL games. He’s a savvy technician who had a 96.4% pass block win rate in 2025 (third best among 65 qualifying guards), while allowing only two sacks. If Bitonio opts to return for a 13th season, he would provide both consistent play and a veteran voice to any offensive line room.”
Projected Contract: 1 yr, $8.5 Million
Brian Robinson Jr., Running Back
Brian Robinson Jr.
GettyBrian Robinson Jr. #3 of the San Francisco 49ers after his team’s touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kubiak wants a two-man show at running back, and the Raiders have yet to sign a partner for Ashton Jeanty.
“We definitely want to have a two-man show, guys that can share the load,” Kubiak said. “It’s a long season. You don’t want to put all the carries and targets on one guy. So right now we’re identifying guys that are available in the draft, identifying free agents we might go after, looking at our own roster and seeing who can share that. It’s important that Jeanty has a wingman.”
Ted Nguyen of The Athletic believes Brian Robinson Jr. makes the most sense for the Raiders to back up Ashton Jeanty, writing, “Of the backs left, Brian Robinson Jr. makes the most sense for [head coach Klint Kubiak’s] RB2.”
Here’s more on Robinson from ESPN: “Robinson rushed for 400 yards and two touchdowns last season as the No. 2 running back behind Christian McCaffrey. A powerful, north-south runner, Robinson also showed off his pass-catching ability in 2023 with 36 receptions for the Commanders.”
Projected Contract: 1 yr, $3 Million
Russell Wilson, Quarterback
Russell Wilson
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants and Tyler Lockett #17 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
There’s been a lot of talk over which veteran quarterback the Raiders will ultimately bring in. There are multiple reports that the Raiders want to sign a veteran QB, and guys like Kirk Cousins and Joe Flacco have been linked to Las Vegas, but what about another option, Russell Wilson?
He appeared in six games for the New York Giants last season, throwing for 831 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The reason why the Raiders would choose him over someone like Cousins and Flacco could be due to a cheaper price point.
It’s not like the Raiders need a veteran to come in and be the starter long-term, and Wilson could be a great mentor for Mendoza. Cousins or Flacco are likely better options, but Wilson could be a backup option for backup QB.
Projected Contract: 1 yr, Veteran Minimum ($1.3 Million)