Speed and smarts
While much of free agency was focused on the defense, the Raiders also added players on offense at guard, running back and tight end.
General Manager John Spytek was Tampa Bay's director of player personnel when the Buccaneers drafted new Raiders guard Alex Cappa in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Cappa started six games as a rookie before moving into a full-time starting role from 2019-21, helping the Buccaneers defeat Kansas City in Super Bowl LV. He spent his last three seasons with Cincinnati and ranks second in the NFL in offensive snaps played since 2020 (regular season).
"Cap's a great competitor, tough, smart," Spytek said Thursday in an interview with Raiders.com's Eddie Paskal. "He's going to be a great sounding board I think for JPJ [Jackson Powers-Johnson] in the middle, and he'll help set him at ease."
Hoping to run behind that offensive line is newly acquired running back Raheem Mostert, who had his best year as a pro in 2023 with Miami. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod after recording a career-high 209 carries and the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career. His 18 rushing touchdowns led the NFL and his 21 total touchdowns were tied for the league lead.
Ian Thomas adds competition to a tight ends room that led the NFL in receiving yards last season (1,443). He'll work with tight ends coach Luke Steckel, one of just two members of the 2024 offensive staff to be retained by Head Coach Pete Carroll. Thomas recorded 119 receptions and 1,062 receiving yards in 99 career games with Carolina. He also played 496 special teams snaps with the Panthers.