Free Agency Landscape
At noon ET, the NFL tampering window opened, allowing teams to negotiate deals with players entering free agency. The Raiders moved quietly aside from trading for a seasoned quarterback and making targeted roster moves.
Reshaping the Defensive Unit
Although the team re-signed defensive linemen Malcolm Koonce and Adam Butler and added safety Jeremy Chinn and guard Alex Cappa, significant changes are underway on the defensive side. Several key players from the unit under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham are set to depart.
Key Player Departures
Linebacker Robert Spillane, 29, played every game over the past two seasons, amassing over 300 tackles along with multiple tackles for loss, passes defensed, sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles. He has agreed to a three-year contract worth $37.5 million with a new team. Safety Tre’Von Moehrig, 25, contributed nearly 300 tackles and several interceptions over four seasons, and he secured a three-year deal valued at $51 million. Cornerback Nate Hobbs, also 25, made his mark in 51 games (38 starts) with considerable defensive stats and has agreed to a four-year contract worth $48 million. Linebacker Divine Deablo, 26, who was a regular presence in 54 games (42 starts), recorded impressive defensive numbers before signing a two-year deal valued at $14 million.
Additional Roster Movements and Future Prospects
Other players, including Marcus Epps, John Jenkins, K’Lavon Chaisson, Darnay Holmes, Zachary Carter, Tomari Fox, Janarius Robinson, and Luke Masterson, are set to hit the market imminently. These moves could further alter the team’s makeup. Despite losing several core pieces, the franchise has sufficient cap space to pursue new talent that could strengthen the defensive unit. Ambitious plans are also underway to target impactful offensive contributors in future signings.
Looking Ahead
This period of free agency marks a turning point for the Raiders. With a challenging win-loss record in the previous season, the team is actively retooling its roster. The departure of leaders in the defensive squad underscores the broader restructuring efforts designed to enhance competitiveness and set the stage for a turnaround in the seasons ahead.