Raiders Overhaul Roster With Free Agent Spending Spree

New head coach Klint Kubiak and the Raiders front office made a splash on the first day of free agency.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders entered Monday's free agency period with the most salary cap space in the NFL. The team took advantage, reportedly signing seven free agents including center Tyler Linderbaum, linebacker Nakobe Dean, and wide receiver Jalen Nailor. The moves are aimed at overhauling a roster that went 3-14 last season.

Why it matters

The Raiders are looking to quickly rebuild after a dismal 2025 season. Signing high-profile free agents like Linderbaum and Dean signals an aggressive approach to improve the roster ahead of the NFL Draft, where they hold the top overall pick.

The details

The Raiders agreed to deals with seven free agents on Monday, including center Tyler Linderbaum from the Ravens, linebacker Nakobe Dean from the Eagles, linebacker Quay Walker from the Packers, wide receiver Jalen Nailor from the Vikings, defensive back Eric Stokes who re-signed, defensive lineman Kwity Paye from the Colts, and outside linebacker Malcolm Koonce who re-signed. They also acquired defensive back Taron Johnson from the Bills.

  • The free agent signings occurred on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Tyler Linderbaum

A three-time Pro Bowl center who is considered one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL.

Nakobe Dean

A former first-round pick from the Eagles who has recorded over 100 tackles in four straight seasons.

Quay Walker

A physical linebacker from the Packers who has been a consistent 100-tackle performer.

Jalen Nailor

A wide receiver from the Vikings who will look to emerge as a top target for the Raiders' offense.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Raiders, tasked with rebuilding the team after a 3-14 season.

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What’s next

If Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is indeed taken No. 1 overall in this year's NFL Draft, it appears as if he'll enter a situation with a more competent squad than the one present in Las Vegas last season.

The takeaway

The Raiders' aggressive free agency moves signal a commitment to quickly rebuild the roster and put the team in a better position to compete, especially if they land a top draft pick like Mendoza to build around.