ESPN Highlights Top Free Agent Fits for Raiders

Several top 50 free agents named as ideal targets for Las Vegas in offseason

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:07am

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ESPN's NFL analyst Matt Bowen has identified several top free agents that would be the best fits for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. The Raiders have nearly $100 million in cap space to spend, and Bowen believes they should target players like cornerback Jaylen Watson, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, and guard Zion Johnson to help rebuild the roster under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

Why it matters

The Raiders are coming off a disappointing season and have several key needs to address, especially in the secondary and at wide receiver. Adding high-profile free agents like the ones mentioned could help accelerate their rebuild and make them more competitive in the AFC West.

The details

Bowen believes the Raiders should prioritize re-signing their own free agent cornerback Eric Stokes, but adding another top corner like Jaylen Watson would further bolster their defensive backfield. At wide receiver, the Raiders could target Romeo Doubs, who had a strong 2025 season with the Packers, to pair with anticipated top draft pick Fernando Mendoza. On the offensive line, Zion Johnson of the Chargers would be an upgrade at left guard over Dylan Parham.

  • Free agency is just a few weeks away in the NFL.

The players

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback who had 64 tackles with the Chiefs in 2025, Watson is scheme-versatile and could be a top free agent target for the Raiders to upgrade their secondary.

Romeo Doubs

A wide receiver who had 55 receptions for 724 yards with the Packers in 2025, Doubs could be a reliable pass-catching option for the Raiders' new-look offense.

Zion Johnson

A guard who spent the last four seasons with the Chargers, Johnson has a 90.7% pass block win rate and could be an upgrade for the Raiders' offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“Watson, who had 64 tackles with the Chiefs in 2025, is scheme-versatile, and the Raiders could land one of the top corners in free agency with this move to upgrade the perimeter of their defense. He has the length to challenge in press and the route awareness to play top-down on the ball in zone.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN NFL Analyst

“The Raiders can add to their wide receivers room for new coach Klint Kubiak by signing Doubs. His ability to uncover and work the heavy traffic areas of the field would be great for anticipated top pick Fernando Mendoza. A reliable pass catcher, Doubs had 55 receptions for 724 yards with the Packers in 2025.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN NFL Analyst

“The Raiders can upgrade their offensive line with Johnson. He'd play the left guard spot in Klint Kubiak's system, using his mobility in the zone run game. Plus, Johnson's youth and durability fit the rebuild in Las Vegas. He is just entering his prime playing years, with a 90.7% pass block win rate over his four-year career with the Chargers.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Raiders will have to navigate free agency carefully, balancing their need to re-sign their own players like Eric Stokes while also targeting top outside free agents that can help improve the roster.

The takeaway

With nearly $100 million in cap space, the Raiders have a prime opportunity to significantly upgrade their roster through free agency. Targeting players like Jaylen Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Zion Johnson could help accelerate their rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak and make them more competitive in the AFC West.