Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Primer: First and Plenty

Worst to First: Raiders Poised for Major Offseason. From the bottom of the league to the top of the draft, the Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2026 offseason with optimism and opportunity. After finishing 3-14 in the 2025 season, Las Vegas secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—a chance to reshape the franchise.

The Raiders face plenty of work to return to respectability. Key roster needs include quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line. But with ten selections in the draft and over $87 million in projected salary cap space, Las Vegas is well-positioned to make impactful moves.

Raiders Snapshot Entering the Offseason:

Projected 2026 Salary Cap Space: $87.2 million

Highest 2026 Salary Cap Figure: DE Maxx Crosby, $35.791 million

Key Free Agents: OG Dylan Parham, DE Malcolm Koonce, C Jordan Meredith (RFA), QB Kenny Pickett, CB Eric Stokes, LB Elandon Roberts, K Daniel Carlson

Team Needs: QB, OL, WR, DL

2026 Draft Selections:

1st Round: 1st overall

2nd Round: 36th overall

3rd Round: 67th overall

4th Round: 102nd, 117th, 134th

5th Round: 174th

6th Round: 180th, 183rd

7th Round: 220th

With a combination of draft capital and salary cap flexibility, the Raiders have the tools to rebuild quickly and aim for competitiveness in the AFC West. The upcoming Scouting Combine and offseason will be pivotal for a franchise ready to rise from worst to first.

—Field Level Media/Reuters