Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Primer: First and Plenty

Worst to first, the Raiders are on top of the world entering the 2026 offseason.

As the league year begins in March, Las Vegas is steering by virtue of finishing 3-14 and securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What do the Raiders need to return to respectability? In a word: plenty.

But with ten selections in the draft and more than $87 million under the salary cap, the Raiders are well-armed to restock a roster with significant needs to become competitive in the AFC West.

Here's a snapshot of the Raiders entering the NFL Scouting Combine and a pivotal offseason:

Projected 2026 salary cap space: $87.2 million

Highest salary cap figure for 2026: DE Maxx Crosby, $35.791 million

Key free agents: OG Dylan Parham, DE Malcolm Koonce, C Jordan Meredith (RFA), QB Kenny Pickett, CB Eric Stokes, LB Elandon Roberts, K Daniel Carlson

Team needs: QB, OL, WR, DL

2026 draft selections:

First round: 1st overall

Second round: 36th overall

Third round: 67th overall

Fourth round: 102nd, 117th, 134th

Fifth round: 174th

Sixth round: 180th, 183rd

Seventh round: 220th