Following a challenging 4-13 season in 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders are at a pivotal juncture as they approach the 2025 free agency period
With new leadership, the organization is poised to make strategic decisions to rebuild the roster and enhance competitiveness in the upcoming season. This article examines the team’s pending free agents, potential acquisition targets, and the overarching strategy guiding the Raiders’ offseason moves.
Assessing Pending Free Agents
The Raiders have 28 players set to become free agents when the NFL’s new league year begins on March 12, 2025. Of these, 17 are unrestricted free agents, five are restricted free agents, and six are exclusive rights free agents.
Key unrestricted free agents include safety Tre’von Moehrig, linebacker Robert Spillane, and defensive end Malcolm Koonce. Moehrig has demonstrated significant progress over the past two seasons, recording five interceptions and 12 pass breakups, making him a valuable asset in the secondary. Koonce had a standout 2023 season with eight sacks before a torn ACL sidelined him, and his return could bolster the pass rush.
Among the restricted free agents, safety Isaiah Pola-Mao stands out. An undrafted player from USC, Pola-Mao had a significant increase in playtime and performance in 2024, starting 14 games and recording 89 total tackles. His versatility and familiarity with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s system make his return likely, probably on a one-year tender.
Identifying Potential Acquisition Targets
With substantial cap space, the Raiders are well-positioned to pursue key free agents to address roster deficiencies. Most sportsbooks’ analyses of matchups, like FanDuel’s analysis of NFL matchups, often highlight how teams can gain a significant advantage with upgrades at quarterback and key offensive positions, making this a primary area of focus for Las Vegas.
One area of focus is the quarterback position. Following the departure of Jimmy Garoppolo and the season-ending injury to Gardner Minshew, the Raiders are exploring options to find a reliable starter. Tom Brady, a minority owner of the team, is expected to play a pivotal role in this search. Potential targets include rookies in the 2025 NFL Draft or veterans like Russell Wilson.
The departure of Josh Jacobs left a void at running back that the team struggled to fill in 2024. Aaron Jones, 30, is a potential free agent target. Jones had a productive season with the Vikings, achieving a career-high in rushing touchdowns. His leadership and reliability would provide much-needed stability to the Raiders’ backfield.
Another area of concern is the wide receiver. Although Davante Adams remains the focal point of the passing game, the supporting cast struggled with consistency. Jakobi Meyers failed to meet expectations, and Hunter Renfrow dealt with injuries for much of the season. Potential free-agent targets like Tee Higgins or Mike Evans could add depth and take some pressure off Adams.
The team will likely prioritize bolstering its front seven and secondary on defense. Defensive tackle Daron Payne could be an ideal fit for a unit that ranked near the bottom in run defense last season. His ability to clog running lanes and generate interior pressure would be a significant upgrade. The Raiders may also target cornerback help, with Jamel Dean and Kristian Fulton emerging as potential options to improve their pass coverage.
The Strategy Under New Leadership
Pete Carroll’s arrival signals a potential shift in the Raiders’ approach to team-building. Known for his emphasis on creating disciplined, high-energy defensive units and developing young talent, Carroll will likely aim to create a foundation of toughness and athleticism on both sides of the ball. General Manager John Spytek, previously with the Buccaneers, is expected to bring a keen eye for evaluating free agents and maximizing cap flexibility. As the NFL Las Vegas odds suggest, teams with solid coaching and a disciplined approach often see sustainable success, making Carroll’s presence a key ingredient for potential long-term improvement.
The Raiders’ new leadership has already hinted at prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term fixes. This means they could be selective in pursuing big-name free agents, instead focusing on acquiring undervalued veterans and drafting well. With a high draft pick secured after their poor 2024 performance, the team can add impact players at key positions, especially quarterback or offensive tackle.
The organization also plans to establish a stronger locker room culture, which was reportedly an issue during the 2024 campaign. Carroll’s motivational coaching style could help galvanize the team and bridge the gap between veterans like Adams and the younger talent entering the fold.
Conclusion: A New Era with High Stakes
The Raiders’ 2025 free agency period represents a critical turning point for the franchise. With ample cap space, a high draft position, and experienced leadership, the team has the ingredients to make a significant leap forward. However, success will depend on their ability to make calculated decisions and find the right balance between acquiring established players and developing homegrown talent.
The road to contention won’t be easy, but with Carroll and Spytek steering the ship, the Raiders’ fans can be cautiously optimistic about the team’s direction. Free agency will be the first major test, and if they pass it, 2025 could mark the beginning of a new, more successful chapter for the Silver and Black.