Raiders Roster Breakdown Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

A look at the key players and offseason moves for the Las Vegas Raiders as they prepare for the upcoming draft.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:30am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric scene of a Raiders football game or practice, with the team's colors of silver, black, and white used throughout the abstract composition.The Raiders' offseason roster moves set the stage for an intriguing 2026 campaign, with new faces blending into the team's existing core.Indianapolis Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and nine other selections across the three-day event. With two weeks until the draft, the team has made several key offseason moves, including signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and adding defensive pieces like Kwity Paye and Nakobe Dean. The Raiders are looking to build on a solid 2025 season that saw breakout performances from players like Tre Tucker and Brock Bowers.

Why it matters

The Raiders are in a pivotal offseason as they look to continue their climb back to playoff contention in the AFC. With a high draft pick and several key free agent additions, the team is positioning itself to be a force in the coming years. How they perform in the draft and how their new pieces fit in will be crucial to their success in 2026 and beyond.

The details

The Raiders' biggest offseason move was signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who brings a wealth of experience and production to the team. They also added depth and talent on both sides of the ball, including offensive linemen Tyler Linderbaum and Spencer Burford, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and defensive end Kwity Paye. Returning players like Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, and Tre Tucker will be expected to lead the way for the Raiders in 2026.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin in two weeks on April 24th.
  • Cousins signed with the Raiders on Monday, April 8th.

The players

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who has spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He ranks top 10 among active QBs in several key statistical categories.

Aidan O'Connell

The Raiders' fourth-round draft pick in 2023, he has started 17 games for the team and is one of the top young passers from his draft class.

Ashton Jeantyt

A standout rookie running back in 2025 who led all first-year players in several key rushing categories.

Maxx Crosby

The Raiders' star defensive end who has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last five seasons.

Brock Bowers

The Raiders' Pro Bowl tight end who led the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns in 2025 despite missing five games due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Raiders will look to build on their offseason moves during the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 1 overall pick and nine other selections.

The takeaway

The Raiders have made several key additions this offseason to bolster both their offense and defense, setting them up for a potential return to playoff contention in 2026. How their new pieces, led by veteran QB Kirk Cousins, mesh with returning stars like Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers will be crucial to their success.