Early Free-Agent Contracts Raiders Must Consider

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler face a crucial offseason in 2023, and it starts with free agency.

After going 6-11 in their first season at the helm, the pressure is on them to get things trending in the right direction.

The pair have wasted no time in making big moves this offseason. They already cut Derek Carr, ushering in a new era at quarterback for the franchise. The question is who that will be.

Free agency is one avenue they could explore to find their next signal-caller. They could also pursue a few other outside options that would help them patch holes in their roster.

After moving on from Carr, they have $46.3 million in cap space to work with, so they have room to add some difference-makers.

Here are three contract offers they should consider making.

QB Jacoby Brissett

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 01: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Cleveland Browns attempts a pass before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on January 1, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

A lot of speculation has focused on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo coming to Las Vegas because of his situation with the Niners and prior relationship with McDaniels.

Maybe he's the wrong former New England Patriots backup to be looking at, though.

For all that the 31-year-old brings to the table, it's unclear if he is that big of an upgrade over Carr. While there's something to be said for his connection to McDaniels and his ability to play efficiently despite limitations as a passer, Garoppolo might not be the long-term answer.

If it's a long-term solution the Raiders seek, they might be better off looking to the NFL draft. The problem is that might mean selecting someone like Will Levis or Anthony Richardson, neither of whom might be ready to start in Year 1.

Both have things to work on. They struggle with accuracy at times and have mechanical changes to make that could take some time.

That's why investing in a one-year stopgap who can start until the rookie is ready could be huge. Jacoby Brissett has shown he's the perfect man for that job.

The 30-year-old was an efficient and affordable option for the Cleveland Browns last season. He started while they awaited Deshaun Watson's return from an 11-game suspension he served after the NFL found he violated its personal-conduct policy.

Brissett takes care of the ball. He threw six interceptions in 11 games with the Browns last season and finished eighth in the league in QBR.

If the Raiders plan on drafting a quarterback, getting the NC State product to Vegas on a one-year deal is a great idea.

Contract to consider: One year, $6.5 million; $5 million guaranteed

OG Isaac Seumalo

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 21: Isaac Seumalo #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Giants during the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Raiders have been trying to fix the offensive line for years now. Armed with one of the biggest budgets this offseason, they could put the finishing touches on the work that was started last offseason.

Jermaine Eluemunor ended up playing reasonably well at right tackle and works fine as a bookend with Kolton Miller. Rookie left guard Dylan Parham proved he can be part of the solution.

The last weak link to replace is right guard Alex Bars. Fortunately for the Raiders, there's a consistent starting right guard who is likely to hit the market from an Eagles team that is strapped for cash and facing a massive free-agent class.

Isaac Seumalo was part of an offensive line that paved the way for one of the best rushing attacks in the league. The 29-year-old also allowed pressure on just 1.8 percent of his pass-blocking snaps from Week 11 on, per PFF.

Whoever is playing quarterback, replacing Bars and tightening up the protection on the interior has to be a priority.

Contract to consider: Two years, $25 million; $15 million guaranteed.

CB James Bradberry

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 08: James Bradberry #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates an incomplete pass during the first quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on January 08, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Raiding the reigning NFC champions of all the quality players they can't afford to retain isn't a bad idea.

Seumalo isn't the only Philadelphia Eagles player the Raiders should make a run at, as James Bradberry could help fill an important role on defense.

The offense wasn't awful last season, but the defense was.

The Raiders allowed the highest passer rating (98.8) in the league, and the lack of talent at cornerback was a big culprit. They traded for Rock Ya-Sin and signed Anthony Averett to address the position, but both dealt with injuries and didn't make the desired impact.

Meanwhile, Bradberry helped elevate the Eagles to one of the league's top defenses across from Darius Slay. The 29-year-old's play is going to earn him a big payday, but the Raiders do have cash to spend.

If they don't plan on throwing a ton of money at Jimmy Garoppolo or a free-agent quarterback, they will have the cash to add Bradberry to a secondary that desperately needs a player of his caliber.

Contract to consider: Three years, $45.7 million; $32 million guaranteed.