Now that free agency is over a week in, there aren’t going to be many splashy signings left to make. The Las Vegas Raiders spent most of their money in the opening days, so they should be done making big moves.
That said, they still have a lot of roster spots to fill. Before last season, the team traded with the Philadelphia Eagles for defensive tackle Thomas Booker after Christian Wilkins was cut.
He played in all 17 games for the Raiders last season, starting 13 of them. The team decided to place a tender on him ahead of free agency, which allowed the two sides to work on a deal. The Raiders announced that they’ve agreed to a contract with Booker.
It’s unclear what exactly the contract terms are, but he’ll at least be in Silver and Black for the 2026 season. The Raiders have spent a lot of money on their defense this offseason, so there’s a chance for the group to be greatly improved.
Though the Raiders have a new defensive coordinator in Rob Leonard, he’s been their defensive line coach for the last three years, so there’s consistency there. If Leonard excels in his first year calling defensive plays, the team could have a solid unit.
Raiders Hit Free Agency Goals
Armed with some of the most salary cap space in the NFL, the Raiders were expected to be big spenders in free agency, and they didn’t disappoint.
Las Vegas won three games last season and has the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, so they needed a lot of help. ESPN’s Ryan McFadden believes the Raiders hit their free agency goals.
“The Raiders addressed a major weakness by signing the best offensive lineman in free agency,” McFadden wrote. “Linderbaum is a major asset for potential No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. On top of that, he drastically improves the Raiders’ run blocking, opening the door for Ashton Jeanty to leap in Year 2. The addition of Dean, and Walker’s effectiveness at rushing the quarterback should allow new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard to get creative in his blitz packages.”
Quay Walker Excited About Raiders
There’s been a lot of doom and gloom surrounding the Raiders franchise for a long time. There’s finally hope that the team is doing things the right way.
New linebacker Quay Walker is impressed with what the team is building and excited about the chance to be part of the turnaround.
“I just think they got the right people here, especially with the staff, and I just truly believe in what Spy [John Spytek] is trying to accomplish here,” Walker said at his introductory press conference. “I just think a guy like myself, and alongside these guys and Nakobe [Dean] and more people I’m assuming that Spy may bring in, whatever the case may be. I just think we can actually get this thing turned around. And it’s one thing to come up here and to say that, but it’s another thing to do it. So, time will tell. Only thing I can say.”
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