Raiders' Last-Minute Guide to 2024 NFL Free Agency

The Las Vegas Raiders come into NFL free agency with a handful of needs to fill for Antonio Pierce's first season in charge.

The AFC West franchise does not have a starting quarterback, could lose starting running back Josh Jacobs and has plenty of holes on the interior.

Not all of the roster holes will be filled over the next few weeks, but the Raiders have to do their best to build up the roster.

The interior may be the primary focus at the start of free agency so that the Raiders can put a ton of energy into signing Christian Wilkins or Mike Onwenu.

The quarterback situation is more difficult to figure out since the Raiders hold the No. 13 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Raiders may not have the top four quarterbacks in the draft available to them, which may lead to a move for a veteran in free agency.

Defensive Line Help

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 07: Christian Wilkins #94 of the Miami Dolphins lines up during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

The Raiders should put a good amount of energy into signing Christian Wilkins.

Wilkins is the top defensive tackle on the market now that Chris Jones re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Raiders need more pressure from the interior to complement Maxx Crosby's rushes off the edge.

Wilkins is the top-tier fit for the Raiders' primary need. There is no guarantee he will sign in Las Vegas, but the Raiders should at least make a push for him.

D.J. Reader and Leonard Williams are among the second-tier free agents at the position who the Raiders could pursue if they do not land Wilkins.

Offensive Line Changes Could Happen

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Las Vegas Raiders guard Jermaine Eluemunor (72) protects the pocket during the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Three of the Raiders' five offensive line starters are set to hit free agency.

Andre James, Greg Van Roten and Jermaine Eluemunor could all come back, but the lack of top-tier offensive line free agents could make them all valuable elsewhere.

Eluemunor could be the most valuable player of the trio on the open market because of the lack of offensive tackles available.

The Raiders could be aggressive in their own right to land someone like Mike Onwenu to upgrade from their impending free agents.

Onwenu should have plenty of suitors as potentially the top free-agent offensive lineman behind Tyron Smith and Trent Brown.

The Raiders must focus on the offensive line so that whomever starts at quarterback in 2024 can make a difference from the pocket.

What Happens at Quarterback?

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Aidan O'Connell #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Las Vegas resides in one of the most difficult positions to land a new quarterback.

The Raiders sit 13th in the draft order and they probably need to trade up into the top 10 to land one of the premier prospects.

Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are likely the top three picks in the 2024 NFL draft. J.J. McCarthy may not get past Atlanta at No. 8, Minnesota at No. 11 or Denver at No. 12.

The Raiders could be ultra aggressive on the free-agent market to land Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield, both of whom would be upgrades over Aidan O'Connell.

Las Vegas may also stick with O'Connell and bring in a backup, like Jacoby Brissett or Ryan Tannehill, to help with his development.

A move for a new starter, or at least for depth, is required for the Raiders to have the best possible chance of beating the Chiefs and others in the AFC.