Raiders Poised to Reshape Roster This Offseason

Las Vegas holds the cards to address multiple needs through free agency and the draft

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a critical offseason as they look to overhaul their roster and return to contention. With significant salary cap space and 10 draft picks, including the first overall selection, the Raiders have the resources to address their many needs on both offense and defense. However, the sheer volume of roster holes means the team has its work cut out to build a competitive squad in one offseason.

Why it matters

The Raiders have struggled with inconsistent quarterback play and overall roster deficiencies in recent seasons, leading to multiple losing campaigns. This offseason represents a pivotal opportunity for the franchise to reshape its future through strategic free agent signings and a potentially franchise-altering draft pick.

The details

The Raiders' most pressing needs include finding a long-term answer at quarterback, upgrading the offensive line, bolstering the defensive front seven, and improving the secondary. With ample salary cap space and 10 draft picks, including the first overall selection, the Raiders have the resources to address these areas. However, the team's depth issues across multiple position groups mean they have a significant amount of work to do in order to transform the roster in a single offseason.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.
  • NFL free agency will open in mid-March.

The players

John Spytek

The Raiders' general manager who will be tasked with leading the team's roster overhaul this offseason.

Fernando Mendoza

The highly touted quarterback prospect from Indiana University who is widely projected to be the Raiders' selection with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ashton Jeanty

A young Raiders quarterback who will compete with any new additions for the starting job under center.

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What they’re saying

“As far as the draft goes, the Raiders' selection is seen as a foregone conclusion. Given the team's need for a franchise signal-caller, and there being just one quarterback prospect standing well above the rest, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is widely considered the only logical selection.”

— Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus analyst (si.com)

“The question then turns to how well Kubiak can develop both Mendoza and [Ashton] Jeanty to get this franchise on track.”

— Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus analyst (si.com)

What’s next

The Raiders will have a busy offseason as they look to address their numerous roster needs through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the first overall pick.

The takeaway

The Raiders' offseason will be a critical juncture for the franchise as they seek to rebuild their roster and return to contention. With significant resources at their disposal, the team has the opportunity to make transformative changes, but the sheer volume of needs means they have their work cut out for them to field a competitive team in 2026.