Jason Burgos
After weeks of rumors, Maxx Crosby’s memorable tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders officially came to an end. On Friday night, it was revealed that the Baltimore Ravens had won the sweepstakes for the five-time Pro Bowler and were sending Las Vegas their first-round pick next month (14th overall) and their first in 2027.
Not only do the Raiders now have 11 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they jumped to No. 1 in cap space with $121.7 million, according to Over The Cap. Las Vegas has a lot of holes to fill this offseason, but they now have the means to do that and add some big-name talent to the roster for new head coach Klint Kubiak.
With that in mind, let’s look at 10 impact players the Las Vegas Raiders could soon target on the free agent and trade block.
Trey Hendrickson
While the Raiders got a great return in the deal for Crosby, they still just lost one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. They need to fill that void if they hope to have any chance of being competitive in 2026. Since they have the most cap space in the league, Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson should be an option.
There is certainly risk in a deal since he is three years older than Crosby. However, if he is open to a shorter deal (three years) for a higher annual average, it makes sense because they would perfectly replace Crosby but also have two first-rounders they didn’t own a week ago.
Mike Evans
With the Raiders expected to make Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 pick in April and have him starting in Week 1, the rookie will need some meaningful weapons to make use of. One of the best targets available in free agency this offseason is Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Mike Evans.
While the 32-year-old is showing clear signs of age-related decline, he is a year removed from back-to-back trips to the Pro Bowl. Getting a reliable veteran target is a must for Las Vegas this offseason.
Tyler Linderbaum
The Raiders’ offensive line has been a mess for years. After they take Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, using the extra pick at 14 on an offensive lineman is very possible. But that shouldn’t be where the team’s rebuild of the line ends.
Three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum is the best available on the free agent market this offseason and needs to be a top target for the team. Getting Mendoza a strong leader on the O-line is another key element that would help the rookie make a big impact in his debut season.
Alvin Kamara
The Raiders will hope that 2025 first-rounder Ashton Jeanty has a better sophomore season for the team. However, it would not be a bad idea to pair him with a good veteran next season. That is why New Orleans Saints great Alvin Kamara could be on Las Vegas’ radar.
Is he the player who went to the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons? Nope. But he is still a difference maker, especially because of his pass-catching skills. He is in the final year of his contract, Mendoza needs more weapons, and a Kamara-Jeanty combo for a year could be pretty nasty.
Alec Pierce
Indianapolis Colts star Alec Pierce has quietly evolved into a pretty good receiver over his first four seasons in the league. In 2025, on just 47 receptions he posted 1,003 yards, six touchdowns, and an absurd 21.3 yards per catch average. At just 25, he may be the hidden gem of this year’s free agent market.
The Raiders may have to overpay to get him, but there is serious upside in Pierce, and he could form a great combo with Mendoza for the next five years.
Jaylen Waddle
The Miami Dolphins have been in sell mode over the last few weeks. While the word is that they would like to hold on to Jaylen Waddle, the Raiders should consider inquiring about a trade. It would be an overpay to give up one of the first-rounders they got in the Crosby trade, but it is a return Miami would definitely consider.
While he hasn’t been a Pro Bowler, he has three 1,000+ yard seasons on his resume, is only 27, and is locked into reasonable money through 2028. Waddle would be the legitimate WR1 Mendoza needs.
Trent Williams
San Francisco 49ers legend Trent Williams and the team have hit an impasse when it comes to his 2026 contract. They want him to take a pay cut, and he isn’t interested after going to the Pro Bowl 12 times for the franchise. Being released or traded is possible.
At 37, he doesn’t have many miles left on his tires. But after being a Pro Bowler again in 2025, he still has a lot of tread left. Getting Mendoza an elite offensive tackle, even for a year or two, would be a great benefit to the youngster’s development.
Alontae Taylor
Another player that should be on the Raiders’ radar is former Saints second-round pick Alontae Taylor. The 27-year-old was a starter the last three seasons and showed his versatility to cover both outside and slot receivers. He should come at a reasonable rate and is right in his prime. Getting better in the secondary, especially if they can’t adequately fill the Crosby void, is a necessity for Las Vegas this offseason.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
Arizona Cardinals receiver first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. has disappointed over his first two seasons in the league after being the fourth overall selection in the 2024 draft. That could just be a system of how messy the Cards’ offense has been in that time. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder still has a ton of untapped potential.
With Arizona looking to shake things up, they might be open to moving Harrison Jr. for a second and third rounder in 2026 and beyond. While that price would be a risk, he is still signed for two more years at a reasonable rate. He could be a steal if offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko can unleash his potential.
Tyreek Hill
Another intriguing option for the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason is eight-time Pro Bowler Tyreek Hill. There is little doubt the future Hall of Famer could make a huge impact for the team in 2026. But he is coming off a torn ACL, so it is unclear how much the injury will take away from his elite athleticism. Especially at 32 years old. However, it means he could come at a reasonable rate and would be worth it on a short-term deal.
