Two days before the new league starts on March 12, NFL teams can negotiate with players who have agents during the legal tampering period. The Las Vegas Raiders may be one of the most active teams, with the second-most cap space and numerous needs to address across the roster.
The Raiders’ most important decision will come down to the quarterback position. After a failed attempt to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams, the Silver and Black will likely sign at least one veteran signal-caller in free agency. Las Vegas will cut quarterback Gardner Minshew II, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Raiders expected to release QB Gardner Minshew at start of new league year next week. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/nmb16Jkt0m
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2025
With a new group of offensive coaches, the Raiders may focus heavily on acquisitions for that side of the ball to support their quarterback. Still, they cannot neglect defensive needs at linebacker and cornerback.
Here are six final predictions for whom the Raiders may sign or part ways with in free agency.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Latest Round 1 projections for all 32 teams, including a Jets trade
Raiders sign quarterback Sam Darnold
Equipped with $96.3 million in cap space, the Raiders won’t flinch in their negotiations with Sam Darnold, who could sign a contract worth up to $40 million annually. Darnold is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 66.2 percent completion rate. He will command a big contract.
Yes, Darnold is a risky pickup at his projected pay rate, but the Raiders can give themselves a two-year out in his contract and still draft a quarterback in case he flops in Las Vegas.
Related: 6 ideal Sam Darnold landing spots this offseason
Raiders sign running back Najee Harris
According to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, Najee Harris has been linked to the Raiders. Some may think this is an agent doing his job to ramp up a client’s market, but Harris is arguably the top running back in the free-agent class. He doesn’t need artificial buzz, and the Raiders must remake their backfield.
New head coach Pete Carroll has experience with bigger running backs like Marshawn Lynch and Chris Carson. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly worked with bruising ball-carriers like Zach Charbonnet and Quinshon Judkins. General manager John Spytek was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ director of player personnel when the team signed Leonard Fournette. At 6-foot-1, 242 pounds and durable — having suited up for every game in four seasons — Harris fits the mold Raiders brass covets in a tailback.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Round 1 projections for 2025 NFL Draft after the NFL Combine
Safety Tre’von Moehrig signs elsewhere
According to Spotrac, Tre’von Moehrig has a market value of $15.7 million annually. At that pay rate, he would be among the league’s top seven highest-paid safeties. The 25-year-old has accumulated impressive ball production over the last two years, registering five interceptions and 18 pass breakups. He will attract multiple offers.
If the Raiders allow Moehrig to test free agency, he’s less likely to return to Las Vegas. Fiscally shrewd teams get into bidding battles for elite players. Moehrig is a quality safety, but he’ll probably take the biggest contract, and it may not come from the Raiders, who need to fill needs at premium positions.
Raiders sign cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
Byron Murphy Jr. would be an ideal addition to the Raiders’ secondary. Las Vegas needs an upgrade over boundary cornerback Jack Jones, who allowed eight touchdowns last season, and slot cornerback Nate Hobbs will be a free agent.
According to Pro Football Focus, Murphy has played over 2,000 snaps in the slot and more than 3,000 snaps on the boundary. If the Raiders cut Jones or let Hobbs walk, he can fill either spot. Additionally, the ascending Pro Bowl cornerback has recorded nine interceptions and 27 pass breakups over the last two years with the Vikings.
Related: Insider reveals reputation of Las Vegas Raiders GM, gives glowing NFL comparison
Tight end Michael Mayer is traded to the Indianapolis Colts
According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed, the Raiders have had talks with teams inquiring about Michael Mayer. Because of tight end Brock Bowers’ immediate emergence as a star in an All-Pro rookie campaign, Las Vegas should try to move Mayer while he’s only 23 with upside but stuck in a backup role.
The Indianapolis Colts could be a logical fit for Mayer because they have two tight ends, Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson, set to become free agents. Indianapolis’ third-year tight end Jelani Woods hasn’t played since 2022 because of injuries. Mayer would be the Colts’ best tight end the moment he walks into their facility.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders likely to cut $25 million starter this offseason for cap savings
Raiders sign linebacker Dre Greenlaw
Dre Greenlaw felt Carroll overlooked him during the 2019 pre-draft process, and he made sure to make his presence known in NFC West battles between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll knows who Greenlaw is now and would welcome him to the Silver and Black to solidify the middle of the defense.
Robert Spillane has an expiring contract, and even if the Raiders re-sign him, they need someone to replace Divine Deablo. Greenlaw can strengthen the linebacker unit with his speed and coverage ability. Before missing most of the 2024 season recovering from a torn Achilles, he recorded 10 pass breakups and an interception between 2022 and 2023.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
