Raiders Connected As Possible Fits For Three Intriguing Free Agents

The Las Vegas Raiders took a chance in 2022, relying on incumbents to help fully turn things around with a new regime in place. The results were not overly positive, which led to general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels making some major changes this offseason.

They relied heavily on their New England Patriots ties to revamp the roster. They brought numerous players to Las Vegas that they believe will better fit the culture and atmosphere they are looking to set.

This offseason was the first chance Ziegler and McDaniels had to rebuild the roster in their image and they took full advantage. The pieces are in place for them to start having some sustained success, it just comes down to execution.

If they want to shore up some areas on the roster, they also have the means to do so. Las Vegas has $16.1 million in cap space remaining and could use it on a few established veterans that are still available in free agency.

One player to keep an eye on is Leonard Floyd. The veteran pass rusher would be a nice addition opposite of Maxx Crosby and another player for first-round pick Tyree Wilson to learn from. 

His presence would take a lot of pressure off of Wilson for having to produce big numbers right out of the gates as a rookie. After registering only 27 sacks last season, the need for another pass rusher certainly exists. What was a clear weakness could become a strength with Floyd and Wilson joining Crosby and Chandler Jones.

Cornerback Casey Hayward is another player that could help the Raiders’ defense. There is no such thing as too much cornerback depth, so despite already adding David Long, Duke Shelley and Jakorian Bennett this offseason, Hayward would be icing on the cake.

Ziegler and McDaniels opted not to bring Hayward back in 2022 when he was a free agent and this would be a chance to rectify that decision. Having an experienced option at cornerback is never a bad thing, allowing the younger guys some time to develop.

Last but not least on the list is linebacker Kyle Van Noy. He checks multiple boxes for the Raiders as a versatile defender that can fill numerous roles. Van Noy is capable of lining up on the edge as a pass rusher or playing run defense.

Potentially most important is that he has ties to the Patriots, spending two stints and parts of five seasons in New England. Depth is needed at the linebacker spot and Van Noy’s skill set would provide the Raiders with something they are currently lacking.