Raiders’ Duo Among Best Free Agent Signings of 2026

Following a 3-14 season, the Raiders needed an overhaul in the offseason. From the draft to free agency, Las Vegas needed to add talent. General manager John Spytek appears to have nailed a few of his signings. 

The Athletic highlighted the best free agent additions through the first four weeks of the season. Two Raiders made the list.

Nakobe Dean

“Dean, who signed a three-year deal averaging a little over $12 million annually, has been an identity-changing addition for the Raiders on that side of the ball,” Daniel Popper wrote.

The Raiders’ run defense has been a strength this season, ranking sixth in expected points added. Dean is tied for 10th in the NFL with nine run stops, according to Pro Football Focus. Part of his excellence has included making big plays, as he leads the Raiders with three forced fumbles. 

Dean has also helped in pass rushing situations; his five pressures are only behind the three edge rushers Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce and Kwity Paye. The 25-year-old linebacker has been a difference maker and could be around in Las Vegas for years to come. 

Tyler Linderbaum

“The Raiders ranked 28th in pressure rate allowed in 2025. This year, they rank 12th. Linderbaum has been a stabilizing force for the Raiders in pass protection, and the improved protection has given quarterback Kirk Cousins the time to be effective and accurate over the middle of the field,” Popper wrote. 

After having the worst offensive line in 2025, the Raiders had to do something. The big splash of the offseason was signing center Tyler Linderbaum away from the Ravens. His presence alone has helped improve an offensive line that allowed the most sacks in the NFL last season. 

The Raiders’ run game is still a struggle, but overall the offensive line has improved with Linderbaum in the middle. 

Las Vegas did make Linderbaum the highest paid center in the NFL, giving him $9 million more than Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey. Linderbaum has to produce at an extremely high level to qualify his contract as a good deal.

While the Raiders are 3-1, the team still has clear flaws and likely won’t contend for a Super Bowl in the near future. But if Spytek can continue to make additions like Dean and Linderbaum, Las Vegas can fly to the top of the NFL standings quicker than expected.