Early Free-Agent Contracts Raiders Must Consider
The 2024 offseason marks the first opportunity for a new brain trust to place their personal stamp on the Las Vegas Raiders roster.
Antonio Pierce already made his first impression on the field as an interim head coach. He did a good enough job to keep the Raiders competitive and earn the full-time role. However, new general manager Tom Telesco just got hired to take over for Dave Ziegler after Champ Kelly served as interim general manager.
The first major event the duo will navigate is free agency. The Raiders have some key needs to fill going into March. While some needs should be addressed through the draft, there are also a few that would be best served by adding a veteran to the roster.
With the news that the NFL salary cap will soar to $255.4 million this offseason, the Raiders have approximately $55.5 million in space.
Even accounting for the money it will take to sign the draft class, retain their free agents and save for an in-season budget, there's money to be spent to address some key needs.
Here's a look at a few contracts they should consider offering assuming these players will hit the market.
DT Christian Wilkins
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The Raiders have a lot of resources tied into the edges of the defensive line.
Maxx Crosby is well-compensated for his game-wrecking abilities and they just spend a top-10 pick on Tyree Wilson. Malcolm Koonce might have earned an extension with a breakout stretch last season.
However, the interior of the defensive line is still something that needs to be addressed. Bilal Nichols is set to be a free agent. Jerry Tillery brings something to the table as a pass-rusher but can struggle against the run.
If the Raiders are going to solidify their defensive line and make it a truly scary force in the AFC, they need to add a stalwart against the run who can also get after the passer.
Christian Wilkins fits that description to a tee. He racks up a ton of tackles for an interior defender (355 combined over the last five seasons) and has upped his game as a pass-rusher, collecting nine quarterback sacks in 2023.
At 28 years old, Wilkins is in a prime spot to cash in on a productive time in Miami.
Signing Williams, assuming the Dolphins don't retain him, won't be cheap, though. Spotrac projects a market value of four years, $81 million for the defensive tackle. However, it wouldn't be surprising if he gets paid more because Chris Jones and Justin Madubuike could also be set for huge paydays that would increase his leverage.
Contract to Consider: Four years, $87.5 million. $60 million guaranteed.
OT Mike Onwenu
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The Raiders offensive line will be a key unit to watch this offseason. They finally seem to have a solid left side in place. Kolton Miller continues to be dependable at left tackle and Dylan Parham has become an asset at left guard.
However, there are questions at every other spot. Andre James' contract is expired. Greg Van Roten was good at right guard, but he's 34 years old and set to be a free agent along with Jermaine Eluemunor.
This draft class is loaded with offensive line talent. The Raiders should consider adding more depth through the draft, but it would also be good to enter the draft with the positional flexibility to target other needs as well.
That means finding a few answers in free agency. Even if the Raiders bring back both James and Elumunor they still need a more long-term solution at the other guard spot.
Signing Mike Onwenu would be an ideal answer. Onwenu has played all over the offensive line and has the frame to be a fit in multiple spots. However, he's shown that he can succeed at right tackle. That might be his best fit where he provides the most value.
However, his ability to slide inside at guard would give the Raiders the flexibility to put out their best five regardless of what happens in the draft.
It's hard to figure out exactly what Onwenu's value is going to be because he hasn't been a full-time tackle. It's hard to get too many comparables. But he does have a projected market value of four years, $54.6 million from Spotrac so the Raiders should start in that ballpark.
Contract to Consider: Four years, $55.6 million. $34 million guaranteed.
CB Chidobe Awuzie
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Chidobe Awuzie has been a great free agent acquisition for the Cincinnati Bengals. They signed the veteran corner in the 2021 offseason and he's been a stabilizing force in the secondary since.
His solid play has allowed the Bengals to develop their young defensive backs to the point where it's not really necessary for them to bring him back.
He could take on a similar role in Vegas.
The Raiders found some answers at cornerback in the final stretch of the season. Marcus Peters and Jakorian Bennett started games early in the season but Peters was cut and Bennett was benched. Amik Robertson turned in a strong year, but he is set to hit free agency.
Jack Jones was a great addition, but it's a little scary to rely on his small sample size with the Raiders.
Awuzie is still 28 years old so a two or three-year contract would still make sense for him.. His presence on the roster would allow the Raiders to approach cornerback as a need that can be addressed with a later draft pick than one that needs to be addressed right away.
Contract to Consider: Two years, $9 million. $7 million guaranteed.
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