The Las Vegas Raiders made their biggest moves before the NFL’s legal tampering period, signing Maxx Crosby to a massive extension and acquiring Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. Yet fans seem antsy about the lack of activity on the free-agent market.
Based on the few deals Las Vegas made after locking Crosby into a long-term contract, general manager John Spytek isn’t interested in overpaying for average or slightly above-average talent — that includes in-house players set to test the open market.
Las Vegas let Robert Spillane, Nate Hobbs, and Tre’Von Moehrig sign big-money deals elsewhere. However, the front office retained Adam Butler and Malcolm Koonce.
The Raiders have been conservative through the first wave of signings, though several quality free agents are still available on the official first day of the new league year.
Who should they target? Here are five free agents who can fill the Raiders’ needs.
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Running back Rico Dowdle
The Raiders don’t have a clear-cut starting running back on their roster. Zamir White doesn’t seem fit for Chip Kelly’s offense, which features inside zone blocking and execution for an effective run game. Rico Dowdle could be a low-cost signing who shares the workload with an incoming rookie. Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, he rushed for a career-high 1,079 yards and two touchdowns, logging 112-plus-yard rushing performances in four of the last six weeks of the season.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders could be plotting blockbuster trade in 2025 NFL Draft
Cornerback Mike Hilton
Las Vegas lost cornerback Nate Hobbs to the Green Bay Packers, leaving a void in the slot. Jeremy Chinn could be the nickelback, though he may primarily play the safety positions with a third cornerback on the field. If so, Mike Hilton can fill the primary slot cornerback role. He’s a feisty defender who gets into the backfield, logging 12 tackles for loss in consecutive seasons. At 31, Hilton is still among the league’s best slot cover men.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore
In four seasons, two with the New York Jets and two with the Cleveland Browns, Elijah Moore has spent most of his career catching passes from Zach Wilson and Deshaun Watson. In a better quarterback situation, he could post far better receiving numbers. He’s yet to rack up more than 640 receiving yards in a single term, but the 24-year-old has intriguing upside if paired with a solid starter like Geno Smith.
Related: Seattle Seahawks cut bait with former All-Pro, Las Vegas Raiders become immediate frontrunners
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
If defensive coordinator Patrick Graham prefers a big nickel alignment with a safety rather than a slot cornerback, the Raiders could look for an upgrade over Jack Jones on the boundary. Head coach Pete Carroll has a history of working with bigger defensive backs, but Graham favors athletic cornerbacks who are around 6-foot. Asante Samuel Jr. may be a shade under that mark in height, but he has the athleticism and tracks the ball well. Samuel has recorded at least 11 pass breakups and two interceptions in three out of four campaigns.
Guard Brandon Scherff
Early in Brandon Scherff’s career, he dealt with injuries that cost him significant time, but he hasn’t missed a game since his 2021 Pro Bowl season. The 10-year veteran is one of the league’s best pass-blocking guards. According to Pro Football Focus, Scherff has allowed just two sacks over the last two years and didn’t allow one last season. He would be a better starting option than Dylan Parham at right guard and bring valuable veteran leadership to a young offensive line.
Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Sportsnaut. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
