Jason Burgos
A new rumor opens the door for the Las Vegas Raiders to target a future Hall of Famer who would be a massive benefit to expected 2026 starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
This is going to be another offseason where the LV Raiders will hope they finally make the moves necessary to get back to winning football. For a fourth straight year, they will have a new head coach, they will be looking for another starting QB, and they have quite a few other positions they need to upgrade after a 3-14 finish in 2025.
However, this year they seem to be in a better position to improve the roster since they have the second most available salary cap space, and own the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL Draft. While it is TBD on who they get in free agency or trades, the one certainty this offseason is that they will use their first pick on Indiana star and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
He is likely to be under center in Week 1 and begin his first year in the NFL with some pretty good weapons on offense. Tight end Brock Bowers is probably the best in the business at that position, and many around the game still see huge potential in running back Ashton Jeanty.
However, if Mendoza can’t get decent blocking, it doesn’t matter, and the LV Raiders’ offensive line was terrible last season. They need to get better talent up front, and one of the greatest tackles in NFL history could soon be available.
Should the LV Raiders target Trent Williams next month?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers and future Hall of Famer Trent Williams are “struggling to find a contractual solution” with the tackle having a $39 million cap number this upcoming season. The NFL insider claims that if they can’t find common ground soon, they will cut the 12-time Pro Bowler.
At 37, Williams is no longer in his prime and has battled injury issues over the last few seasons. However, he still played in 16 games last year and earned Pro Bowl honors for the 12th time. He has been a major part of Brock Purdy’s success and can play a key role in making life far easier for Mendoza in his debut season.
The LV Raiders have the cap space to pursue a trade for Williams. However, if they wait for him to hit free agency, they should see if he is open to a short-term deal for similar money in an effort to do all they can to get Mendoza off to a fast start in his career.
