On Wednesday the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make the cuts of Jimmy Garoppolo and Hunter Renfrow official, and the moves will give new general manager Tom Telesco a lot of money to play with in free agency.
Unlike this time last year, there is a lot of hope surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders. After a dismal start to the 2023 season, the firings of head coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler ignited the team and proved there are some strong building blocks on the roster for new head coach Antonio Pierce to lead in 2024.
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Nevertheless, the roster needs upgrades, and the biggest of them — the quarterback spot — the organization likely will address with their top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, before then they would like to make some notable signings in free agency. And on Wednesday they cleared the space to give them a whole bunch of flexibility on the open market.
Following reports earlier this week, the Las Vegas Raiders made the release of Jimmy Garoppolo and Hunter Renfrow official. The two cuts are a part of four releases — including Jerry Tillery and Brian Hoyer — that will put $21.8 million back in the team’s cophers.
In total, the added money will give the Raiders just over $39 million (via Over The Cap) to use on free agents or towards stars they add in a trade in the coming weeks. They could also free up $25 million more if they do make the rumors of a Davante Adams trade a reality soon.
- Jimmy Garoppolo stats (2023): 3-3 record, 1,205 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 77.7 passer rating
Las Vegas Raiders free agency: Who could the silver-and-black target with their extra money?
With close to $40 million in cap space to use, the Las Vegas Raiders now have the assets to make some major moves in free agency. However, many of the top players available this year are already off the board. So who could the team target ahead of the draft next month?
- Jimmy Garoppolo contract from Raiders: 3 years, $72 million ($45 million guaranteed)
Since Renfrow is off the roster and they still need another reliable receiving option after Adams, Ravens, and Cardinals veteran Marquise Brown could be a worthwhile choice. As the WR2 he could be dynamite and come at a reasonable rate.
The organization also has a major hole at running back following Josh Jacobs’ departure to the Packers. If they would like a proven veteran then Ezekiel Elliot, Kareem Hunt, and JK Dobbins would be affordable and strong options. If they wanted to improve the offensive line, Cowboys great Tyron Smith is also still available in free agency.
Furthermore, there are still quite a few notable safeties on the market — like Justin Simmons — to help upgrade that spot for 2024.
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