Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Free Agents Who Can Help Improve Raiders' Pass Rush

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Carter Landis | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 6:00 AM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive end group is not one that may stay together for much longer.

Rumors about Maxx Crosby being traded continue to swirl, while Malcolm Koonce enters free agency, and Tyree Wilson has one year left on his rookie contract (and doesn’t appear to be getting his fifth-year option picked up).

With that in mind, General Manager John Spytek must take a hard look at the free-agent market for defensive end help. Outside of those three players, that position group is not too deep for a team that needs to get after the AFC West’s quarterbacks.

There are several veteran free agents on the market, so who should the Silver and Black consider? Let’s break down three names that Spytek and the Raiders could consider in free agency.

Leonard Floyd, Atlanta Falcons

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Floyd had a drop off in sack production with just three and a half for Atlanta last season, but he played in a rotation with multiple edge rushers, so his production is still there. The 33-year-old has made multiple stops in his NFL career, including the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. He knows how to get after the quarterback, totaling 70 sacks in 10 years.

He would be a short-term player, but having a veteran like Floyd in the locker room goes a long way for a young team that needs guidance. He would provide on-field production and a strong culture presence for the Raiders.

Joseph Ossai, Cincinnati Bengals

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The former third-round pick in 2021 has done some nice things in his career, and he’s still only 25 years old. Ossai has totaled five sacks in each of the last two seasons, bringing his career total to 14.5. He came to Cincinnati as a raw but talented edge rusher and has refined his skills, becoming a solid player.

If the Raiders would rather pay Ossai than Koonce, he could be a solid option. New Defensive Coordinator Rob Leonard could unlock his game and help him realize his potential.

A.J. Epenesa, Buffalo Bills

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

If the Raiders want a run-stopper off the edge with some solid pass-rush acumen, Epenesa could be available. The former second-round pick has totaled 24 sacks in his six-year career, posting at least six from 2022 to 2024. He only started two games last season, indicating the Bills wanted to go in another direction.

Epenesa has been a plus-player throughout his career, and the Raiders could pay him above market value if he wanted to join the Silver and Black. He would provide a high floor for a team that needs help in the trenches.

This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: