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Raiders usher in new era with most cap space as NFL free agency begins
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- Raiders usher in new era with most cap space as NFL free agency begins
Former Raiders star Maxx Crosby and Raiders coach Klint Kubiak
By making the painful decision to oblige Maxx Crosby's wishes to be traded , the Raiders wiped their slate clean as they approach a new rebuild.
The emotions surrounding Crosby's trade to the Ravens on Friday ran rampant throughout their building and their passionate fan base. Crosby was the heart and soul of the Raiders on and off the field. He's as close to an irreplaceable player as there is in sports.
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But for the sake of the franchise, it was absolutely the right move. As painful as it is to say goodbye, there is also an undeniable rush of excitement as the club prepares to rebuild essentially from the ground up.
The Raiders traded defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Ravens, but the deal likely will benefit both clubs. AP
Moving Crosby greatly improves the resources they have to create a far better life without him. They now own 11 draft picks this year, including the first and 14th overall . With most of those picks at or near the top of all seven rounds, the Raiders have the most draft capital in the NFL.
The removal of Crosby's contract, the addition of longtime Bills cornerback Taron Johnson via trade and the release of quarterback Geno Smith , which becomes official when the NFL's new league year begins Wednesday, means the Raiders will have roughly $119 million in cap space. That, too, is the most in the NFL.
New Raiders coach Klint Kubiak at a press conference, Feb. 10. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It doesn't guarantee a quick turnaround, or that general manager John Spytek and new coach Klint Kubiak will hit on all their decisions this offseason. But no one is set up better to make a big splash in free agency and the draft than the Raiders.
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As free agency opens Monday, here is where the Raiders stand:
Unrestricted free agents
LB Jamal Adams , WR Alex Bachman , LS Jacob Bobenmoyer , K Daniel Carlson , T Stone Forsythe , CB Darnay Holmes , S Lonnie Johnson Jr. , DE Malcolm Koonce , WR Tyler Lockett , RB Raheem Mostert , G Dylan Parham , QB Kenny Pickett , LB Jon Rhattigan , LB Elandon Roberts , CB Eric Stokes , TE Ian Thomas , LB Devin White , RB Zamir White .
Restricted free agents
DT Thomas Booker IV, OL Jordan Meredith .
Exclusive rights free agents
CB Kyu Blu Kelly , CB Tristin McCollum , OL Will Putnam , DE Charles Snowden.
Trading away Crosby creates a gaping hole at the Raiders' defensive end and could result in two starting openings. Getty Images
Needs
Offensive line
The Raiders were a mess along the offensive line last year, but there is a belief in the building that coaching had a lot to do with the struggles.
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The return of tackle Kolton Miller and interior offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson, both of whom missed significant time with injuries, will help. And there is optimism that new offensive line coach Rick Dennison will get the most out of young prospects including DJ Glaze, Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant .
That said, the Raiders need to secure at least one and maybe two bona fide starters this offseason to better protect Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza , whom they are targeting with the first pick overall, and open holes for dynamic running back Ashton Jeanty.
A starting guard or center and a right tackle are at the top of their list.
The Raiders have the resources to compete for Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum , should he hit the market Monday morning. The 25-year-old Linderbaum is exactly what they need; his age fits perfectly with their rebuild timeline.
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Other names to keep an eye on are the Jets' Alijah Vera-Tucker, the Bills' David Edwards , the Chargers' Zion Johnson and the Steelers ' Isaac Seumalo .
The Bengals' Trey Hendrickson could immediately replace Crosby. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Linebacker
All three of the Raiders' starting linebackers from 2025 are set to become free agents, and none appear to be strong candidates to return. The club's switch to a base 3–4 defense under new coordinator Rob Leonard could mean a complete overhaul at this position.
The Jaguars' Devin Lloyd , who finally put it all together the last two seasons, makes a ton of sense. He is expected to land a huge contract, but the Raiders have the resources to make it happen.
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The Chiefs' Leo Chenal , a do-it-all backer, could be on the verge of a breakout. The Raiders would offer plenty of playing time for Chenal to showcase his athleticism and playmaking.
The Eagles' Nakobe Dean , the Packers ' Quay Walker and the Browns' Devin Bush are all potential targets, too.
Bengals defensive end Hendrickson (left) likely will have many potential suitors, including the Raiders. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Edge
Trading away Crosby creates a gaping hole at defensive end and could result in two starting job openings, depending on what happens with Malcolm Koonce, a pending free agent.
The Raiders will use a mix of free agency and the draft — this year and next — to rebuild this group. The emphasis will be on age and fit in the new 3–4 alignment.
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They are almost obligated to use free agency to address this room, but they have to be disciplined in how they do so. It's one thing to pour money into it; the key is investing in the right players.
The Bengals' Trey Hendrickson would immediately replace Crosby. But does the soon-to-be 32-year-old Hendrickson really make sense for the Raiders, who are targeting 2027 and beyond to be real contenders?
The Chargers' Odafe Oweh makes more sense as an emerging talent at 27 years old. So does Eagles edge rusher Jaelan Phillips , the Seahawks' Boye Mafe , and former Raiders edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, who broke out last year with the Patriots.
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