Raiders’ Biggest Needs Heading into Week 2 of Free Agency

Nearly one week into free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders have filled major holes in their roster, headlined by the massive acquisition of WR Davante Adams and signing of EDGE Chandler Jones. They’ve also traded for CB Rock Ya-Sin, signed a backup QB, a FB, and many more game-changing players, but the Raiders still have a few holes to be addressed heading into Week 2 of free agency.

Right Tackle

Last year, the Raiders drafted Alex Leatherwood in the first round to be their new starting right tackle. A few weeks into the season, it was clear that Leatherwood hadn’t found his groove yet. For the remainder of the season, Leatherwood played right guard while veteran Brandon Parker stepped up to play RT. Parker filled the spot but didn’t shine on nearly any level. Right tackle appears to be one of the most-pressing needs of the offseason.

A few months into the offseason and the Raiders are now limited to fewer options heading into Week 2 of free agency, including bringing Brandon Parker back. Parker is currently a free agent, and it’s possible he returns to Vegas for another season due to the Raiders dwindling options and cap space.

The draft is another option to solve this need. However, due to the trade involving Davante Adams, the Raiders don’t have a draft pick until the third round. If they choose to go this route, it’s probable they would need to sign a veteran in free agency anyways, as a rookie may not be ready to start Week 1.

There are still a few right tackles left on the market. Trent Brown, Terron Armstead, and La’el Collins headline the list. Currently, the Cincinnati Bengals have a strong interest in Collins, whereas Brown and Armstead don’t appear to be deep into talks with any team.

Safety

Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler have done a fantastic job filling the Raiders’ needs this offseason, so much so that depth at safety is one of the team’s biggest needs remaining. Currently, Johnathan Abram, Tre’von Moehrig, and Dallin Leavitt are the strongest safeties on the roster. Translation: the safety room could use an upgrade.

Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl champion Tyrann Mathieu is the most impressive safety left in free agency. He would be a great fit for the Silver and Black however, his salary demand may leave Las Vegas out of the running.

Mathieu has been one of the league’s best safeties year after year. He is now set to receive his third multi-year contract. After another Pro-Bowl season in 2021, he knows his worth and it would be impossible for the rest of the league to ignore that. Mathieu’s salary will be big, and the Raiders may not have enough cap space left to pay it.

Landon Collins and Jabrill Peppers among others remain free agents and would come with a cheaper price tag than Mathieu. If the Raiders do look to free agency to fill their need at safety, Collins may get a strong look thanks to his strength in run support, something that needs strong improvement in Las Vegas.