Raiders' Biggest Keys To Having Successful NFL Offseason
The Las Vegas Raiders weren't a playoff team in 2023, but they finished with enough momentum to feel good about their chances in 2024.
Interim coach Antonio Pierce guided Las Vegas to a 5-4 record down the stretch, good enough for him to have the interim tag removed. the Raiders' late-season surge also included a decisive win over the rival Kansas City Chiefs, who then went on to win the Super Bowl.
With former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco now in the fold, the Raiders have their front-office foundation. Now, the challenge becomes improving a roster that has flashed promise but isn't complete.
The Raiders have $42.6 million in projected cap space and the 13th overall pick in April's draft. However, winning the offseason will require more than just bringing in a few big names.
Below, we'll dive into Las Vegas' biggest keys to having a successful 2024 offseason.
Bring in Competition at QB
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One of the first moves Las Vegas should make this offseason is dumping Jimmy Garoppolo. With Josh McDaniels out, Garoppolo has little value for the Raiders, and releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would save $12.1 million in cap space.
The Raiders' next step will be finding a new quarterback to push Aidan O'Connell in training camp.
While O'Connell (83.9 QB rating) was serviceable in 2023 and went 5-5 as the starter, he didn't show enough to be handed the keys to the offense permanently. The Raiders may not replace O'Connell outright, but they have to at least bring in competition.
Fortunately, Las Vegas should have multiple options at quarterback this offseason.
The Raiders could target a free agent like Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett or Tyrod Taylor. They could also consider targeting a draft prospect like LSU's Jayden Daniels or Michigan's J.J. McCarthy—though if Las Vegas drafts a QB in Round 1, it'll do so with the intent of replacing O'Connell as the starter.
What the Raiders can't do is simply stand back and hope that O'Connell develops into a star. The AFC West is too talented for Las Vegas to compete with middling quarterback play.
Find a Running Back
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Regardless of who is under center in 2024, the Raiders have a talented receiving corps with which to support him. Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker form a dynamic trio, and tight end Michael Mayer flashed some potential as a rookie.
Las Vegas should also look to support its quarterback with a strong ground game, something that was often a challenge in 2023. The Raiders should be willing to move away from Josh Jacobs as part of that process.
Jacobs played under the franchise tag last season and will hit the market in March. He has a projected market value of $10.6 million annually, and the Raiders shouldn't be willing to pay that for a back who averaged 3.5 yards per carry in 2023.
Zamir White proved to be a capable ball-carrier down the stretch, and the Raiders should look for another strong complementary back to pair with him. They could target players like Gus Edwards and Zack Moss in free agency or take a chance on a draft prospect like Notre Dame's Audric Estimé or Texas' Jonathon Brooks.
One way or another, though, Las Vegas has to forge a stronger run game if it hopes to carry a balanced offense into next season.
Add Another Defensive Playmaker
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The Raiders defense showed a ton of improvement under Pierce, and Las Vegas managed to retain defensive coordinator Patrick Graham after the season.
After finishing the year ranked 15th overall and ninth in points allowed, the Raiders could potentially field an elite defense in 2024. To do that, though, Telesco needs to add at least one more elite playmaker to partner with the likes of Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce and Marcus Epps.
The Raiders can target virtually any position here, as long as they come away with a true top-tier talent. Why? Because the defense has already shown that it can play well as a unit. Las Vegas simply needs more difference-makers.
The options are varied. From cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to pass-rusher Danielle Hunter and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, several playmakers will be available in free agency alone.
And if the Raiders don't target a quarterback in Round 1, prospects like UCLA edge-rusher Laiatu Latu and Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton should be firmly on their radar.
Adding another elite talent will be necessary if the Raiders hope to have, not just a good defense, but a great one.
*Cap, contract and market information via Spotrac.
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