What is the story about?
NFL free agency for the 2027 season won’t start till March of well 2027, but the NFL should have a very lucrative free agent class coming forward, and a few players should sign extensions before that time next year, but it’s worth keeping note of who will be available at this point next year. The Raiders have a current projection of 77 million in cap space for 2027, but they should have the abilility to free another 15-35 million through releases, trades, or restructures next season. Additionally,
Las Vegas should see roughly 15-22 million of rollover cap to increase their cap standing.
Quarterback:
Raiders Pending FA: Aidan O’Connell, Kirk Cousins
- The Raiders likely won’t spend heavy on a quarterback for 2027 with Fernando Mendoza expected to take the reigns for the foreseeable future as the Raiders starting QB. The class is headlined by Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, but capable backups will be available, and that’s what Las Vegas will be seeking. Former top five selections Tua Tagovailoa (ATL) & Kyler Murray (MIN) follow up the class, additionally Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett who’s spent majority of his career as a veteran backup/mentor is projected to hit the market. Other potentially names include Marcus Mariota (WSH), Mac Jones (SF), and Davis Mills (HOU). Additionally, reclamation project Anthony Richardson (IND) could be possible target baking on pure athleticism and potential, though Las Vegas would likely need an experienced veteran backup, with an ideal target being Mac Jones should he not earn a starting spot elsewhere.
Runningback:
Raiders Pending FA: Chris Collier (ERFA)
- The Raiders drafted Ashton Jeanty 6th overall in 2025, they then followed that up by drafting Mike Washington in the 4th round so it’s hard to see the Raiders spending on a runningback unless it’s a third back, and/or one of Jeanty/Washington flop at a steep level. The class is headlined by superstar Jonathan Taylor (IND), and other starting caliber backs such as Chase Brown (CIN), Tony Pollard (TEN), and Zach Charbonnet (SEA) who’s an interesting one to watch with his connection to Klint Kubiak. Additionally, veterans Jordan Mason (MIN), Isiah Pacheco (DET), Tyjae Spears (TEN), Michael Carter (TEN), Rachaad White (WSH), and Aaron Jones (MIN) will hit the market.
Veteran Emanuel Wilson, who mainly played special teams in Seattle, does also have the connection with Klint Kubiak and could find his way to Las Vegas as a third back. Younger backs who could slot into a third back role include Zonovan Knight (ARZ), Justice Hill (BAL), Brian Robinson Jr (ATL), Sean Tucker (TB), Kendre Miller (NO), Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN), and Devin Singletary (NYG) among others.
Wide Receiver:
Raiders Pending FA: Tre Tucker, Dareke Young, Phillip Dorsett, Shedrick Jackson (ERFA)
- The 2027 NFL free agent class is absolutely loaded at wide receiver. The Raiders signed Jalen Nailor to a 3 year, 36 million contract this off-season, drafted Jack Bech in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL draft and Bech looks to be a capable starter. Additionally, the Raiders lack depth, but could also see starting receiver Tre Tucker walk in free agency which would leave a massive void in the room needing to be filled. The class is headlined by Rams standouts Davante Adams & Puka Nacua though I highly doubt both will hit free agency. Cowboys star George Pickens is slated to hit free agency, as his Cardinals star Michael Wilson who would fill an excellent X receiver role for Las Vegas. Saints former first rounder Chris Olave has dealt with injuries, and is also set to hit the market, though I can see him and New Orleans parting ways mutually. Fellow NFC South standout Drake London is set to hit the market but I doubt he will.
With mainly Michael Wilson, George Pickens, Chris Olave, and potentially Tre Tucker/Davante Adams as the only one’s set to hit the market at the top of the class. The free agent class is deep however, and for a Raiders team that is needing to identity more talent at the position, while building around Fernando Mendoza, they can afford to spend on a proven receiver. Vikings WR Jauan Jennings, Andrei Iosivas (CIN) who would provide a good X poption, Darnell Mooney (NYG), Parker Washington (JAX), Kayshon Bouttee (NE), Xavier Hutchinson (HOU), & Christian Watson (GB) provide capable proven starters that can elevate the floor of the receiver room. Additionally, former Raiders WR Mack Hollins is set to hit free agency again, and would provide a capable ST/X receiver option. Other names to watch include Dyami Brown (WSH), Christian Kirk (SF), Pop Douglas (NE), Isaiah Hodgins (NYG), John Metchie (CAR), and Elijah Higgins (ARZ) who can raise the floor of the room. Rashee Rice is also set to be free agent, but that fit in Las Vegas is terrifying.
Tight End:
Raiders Pending FA: Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas, Albert Okwuegbunam, Carter Runyon (ERFA)
- The Raiders likely will spend to add an option alongside Brock Bowers, and while that may be Michael Mayer who can stay in house to provide a high end second option alongside Bowers. Klint Kubiak runs his offense through the tight ends, and Las Vegas will need to either replace Mayer or retain him, with Bowers working as a big slot versatile weapon in the Kubiak offense. The class is headlined by Kyle Pitts, though I expect he stays with Atlanta. Additionally, Tucker Kraft (GB), Sam LaPorta (DET), Brenton Strange (JAX), and TJ Hockenson (MIN) are set to hit the market and all have the ability to be a high ticket option to start elsewhere, while Dallas Goedert (PHI) & Hunter Henry (NE) could command the same though given their age are likely TE2 options.
Additional veterans that can compliment Bowers include pure blockers Darnell Washington (PIT), Charlie Woerner (ATL), Tommy Tremble (CAR), Colby Parkinson (LAR), and Drew Sample (CIN). Despite Las Vegas focusing on the run game from their TE, receiving will be a focal point keep an eye on names such as Luke Musgrave (GB), Evan Engram (DEN), Brock Wright (DET), Davis Allen (LAR), Luke Schoomaker (DAL), Payne Durham (TB), and Greg Dulchich (MIA) as options to compliment Bowers and/or Mayer in the Raiders offense under Klint Kubiak.
Tackle:
Raiders Pending FA: Dalton Wagner (ERFA)
- The Raiders free agent plans at tackle can be very dependent on this season, DJ Glaze has the chance to start at RT for the third straight year and if he shows more development he’ll be the clear cut starter. If not, his spot is up for grabs and that spot could naturally go to 2025 3rd rounder Charles Grant. Additionally, Las Vegas retains Kolton Miller at left tackle, and unless Miller’s career falls off, or Las Vegas looks to move him to allow Grant the chance to start, than they won’t have a need at LT. The 2026 free agent market at RT isn’t overly deep though there’s some talent headlined by Eagles’ Tyler Steen, Vikings Brian O’Neill, and Falcons Jawaan Taylor who have been proven right tackles majority of their careers. Look for Larry Borom (DET), Austin Deculus (TEN), and Austin Jackson (MIA) to potentially develop into starters down the line if they have big seasons as their teams are counting on this year.
On the left side, while unlikely to be addressed Panthers tackles Rasheed Walker & Ike Ekwonu lead the way, with Warren McCledon (LAR) who has G/RT/LT versatility, Blake Brandel (MIN), Broderick Jones (PIT) and RT flexibility, and Jaylon Moore (KC) as the real options on that side. As depth potential pieces look for potentail pure depth/swing options in Olisameka Udoh (ARZ), Brett Toth (SF), Justin Skule (TB), Darian Kinnard (GB), Cody Mauch (TB), and Alec Anderson (BUF) among others who could make an appearance. Las Vegas should add one T in free agency next year, but at what level is still a massive to be determined based solely off the play of this season’s starting tackle with development behind the scenes of Charles Grant.
Guard:
Raiders Pending FA: Spencer Burford, Jordan Meredith, Atonio Mafi (RFA)
- Las Vegas has invested heavily in their guard room recently with the selections of Trey Zuhn III & Caleb Rogers in rounds 3, along with the possibility DJ Glaze will move to guard. That pairs with Jackson Powers-Johnson who is slated to start for Las Vegas this season. It’s very unlikely that Las Vegas will add a free agent offensive lineman at guard assuming Powers-Johnson develops & the team feels faith in Zuhn and/or Rogers to take a spot opposite. Should those scenario’s not play out, there’s a quality guard class in 2027 with a ton of top talent including Ben Powers (DEN), Steven Avila (LAR), Kevin Dotson (LAR), Ezra Cleveland (JAX), Anthony Bradford (SEA), Quenton Nelson (IND), Coleman Shelton (LAR), Michael Owenu (NE), and O’Cyrus Torrence (BUF) all set to be on the market with a good few likely to earn significantly.
If Las Vegas chooses to take a similar route to this year, signing Spencer Burford, or someone slightly more expensive but not top dollar their options are still deep including Fred Johnson (PHI) who has T/G flexibility, Evan Brown (HOU), Jamaree Salyer (MIA), Chandler Zavala (CAR), Max Mitchell (NYJ), Asim Richards (NO), and Matthew Bergeron (ATL) who has a good chance to rise into that top group with another strong season. Additionally, keep an eye on Giants G Jon Runyan Jr who has played well in New York, and should cash in again on a strong deal similar to that of Dylan Parham.
Center:
Raiders Pending FA: Will Putnam (ERFA)
- Las Vegas signed Tyler Linderbaum to a massive contract, so adding a high priced or even starting center is not happening, but the Raiders are likely to lose most of their center depth in Jordan Meredith & Will Putnam, so adding a veteran option is key especially given the emphasis of the center position for Klint Kubiak. The class is headlined by 12 centers who logged over 90% of their teams snaps in 2026, and there’s core depth options in Olu Oluwatimi (SEA), Luke Fortner (CAR), Jarrett Paterson (HOU), and Austin Corbett (BUF) who when healthy has the ability to start at guard as well but has seen injuries hurt his career. Additional options include Corey Levin (ATL), Danny Pinter (BAL), and Alex Forsyth (DEN).
