With a little over one month to go before training camp starts in late July, the Las Vegas Raiders should be exploring ways they can improve their roster in free agency.
Money isn’t an issue for general manager Tom Telesco and Co., as the Raiders are sitting pretty with $34 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. Las Vegas got a serious shot in the arm post-June 1, when quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s money was removed from the payroll.
With all that in mind, here’s a look at three moves the Raiders should make ahead of training camp. On top of two signings, Las Vegas inking a player to an extension also makes the list.
Moves Raiders should make
Sign CB Xavien Howard
The Raiders currently have a competition for the spot opposite Jack Jones between Jakorian Bennett and Brandon Facyson, and rookie Decamerion Richardson may get involved, although he’s been quiet so far this offseason.
Bennett is coming off a rough rookie season, Facyson is better suited as a backup and there’s no telling what Richardson will be able to contribute in his first season, making all three big question marks.
Knowing that, signing Howard as another option and a one-year stopgap makes sense. He isn’t the elite corner he once was, but he’s a good fit in Patrick Graham’s defense with his ability to play zone and man, and he should be better than any of the options the Raiders currently have.
Sign DL Lawrence Guy
Unless the Raiders are planning on keeping Tyree Wilson on the inside full time, this team needs more depth on the interior of the defensive line. John Jenkins figures to start next to Christian Wilkins, but he’s also turning 35 next month. Adding to that, there’s no shortage of question marks behind Jenkins.
Guy is also long in the tooth (34), but the Raiders won’t need him for a big role. He proved to be an impact run defender in 2023, with the veteran earning an 83% stop rate on run tackles. He’d be a solid depth option for Las Vegas.
Extend DE Malcolm Koonce
Koonce took a big leap forward in 2023, notching a career-best eight sacks, which was six more than he tallied over the first two years of his career combined. So far this offseason, Koonce is showing all the signs of being able to take another step forward in 2024, which will make him very expensive if he hits free agency in 2025.
It remains to be seen if Koonce would even be interested in inking an extension now, as improving his stock further in 2024 would only lead to a bigger payday next year.
But that might be the best thing for both sides. Koonce gets some security just in case he doesn’t build on his breakout season, and the Raiders put themselves in position to get him for cheap if he does.