Las Vegas adds a guard with ties to John Spytek
A day after he was released from the Cincinnati Bengals, the Las Vegas Raiders signed veteran guard Alex Cappa in free agency. Cappa’s agency, AMDG Sports, posted on social media that it’s a two-year, $11.2 million contract, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported $5.5 million is fully guaranteed at signing.
Raiders are signing former Bengals guard Alex Cappa to a two-year, $11.2 million deal that includes $5.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. https://t.co/hzNeic8BnE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
The Humbolt State alum and Bay Area native was originally a third-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. At that time, new Raiders general manager John Spytek was the Buccaneers’ director of player personnel. So, it’s not surprising that Las Vegas acted quickly as the guard has familiarity with the organization’s key decision maker.
Also, the Silver and Black could use help on the interior offensive line. While Jackson Powers-Johnson proved to be a valuable starter and to have a bright future at guard or center, Jordan Meredith is a free agent, while Dylan Parham is on the last year of his deal. Parham didn’t finish last season strong, so the team could use an upgrade at the starting right guard spot. Meanwhile, Meredith could still be retained as he’s an exclusive rights free agent.
Cappa has exclusively taken snaps at right guard during his seven-year career, making him a replacement option for Parham. While Cappa didn’t play well in 2024, giving up 51 pressure (eight sacks) and earning a 50.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, he does have a solid track record throughout the rest of his career.
The 30-year-old was a salary cap casualty in Cincinnati. The Bengals are looking to reach a long-term agreement with wide receiver Tee Higgins after using the franchise tag on Higgins. Cincy is also likely working on extensions for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and defensive end Trey Hendrickson to help explain why Cappa was available.