Other than at quarterback, of course
As a new coaching staff and front office is about to take over, they will work toward improving the roster this offseason.
The Raiders many needs this offseason, starting at quarterback. Let’s look at their top five needs —- not including quarterback as the offseason starts to kick into high gear:
Running back:
The Raiders need a lot of help at the position who play right behind the quarterback. A good ground game will help the Raiders’ offense in 2025, especially if they can’t find a way to get the long-term solution at quarterback. The Raiders’ ground game was dreadful for most of the 2024 season as they struggled to adjust to life after Josh Jacobs. Zamir White fizzled as the starter and the Raiders had injuries issues at the position all season. Sincere McCormick was solid in a short stint but Las Vegas needs to get a new lead back either in the draft or in free agency.
Pass-rusher:
The Raiders’ defense took a big hit when Malcolm Koonce was lost for the season three days before it started. Koonce is a free agent, but his status is iffy. The new regime doesn’t know him and he’s only truly had one good half of season. So, we will see how much the new Raiders’ leadership values him. Tyree Wilson, the No. 7 overall pick in 2023, has been so-so and 2024 waiver claim K’Lavon Chaisson had some nice moments. but he’s a free agent as well. So, Maxx Crosby needs some help.
Linebacker/safety:
Both of these positions are question marks because of free agency. Linebackers Robert Spillane (a favorite of the previous regime) and Diving Deablo are free agents as are safeties Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps, who missed most of last season with a knee injury. These four players may represent the needs that will be filled, but the odds are here will be some sort of outside need her based on the outcome of free-agent decisions made by both the franchise and the players.
Offensive line:
This all depends on the the fits of the incumbent players and the new scheme, but the Raiders probably could another starter, likely a guard. It shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve, likely with a mid-priced free agent who fits the new scheme and perhaps has history with some members of the new regime.
Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images
No. 2 wide receiver:
Jakobi Meyers went from the No. 2 receiver to the top option after the October trade of star Davante Adams to the New York Jets. That made second-year receiver Tre Tucker the No. 2 receiver. He wasn’t up to it in most games. Tucker has nice speed and perhaps the new coaching staff can exploit that better than the previous staff did. But he is probably best suited as the No. 3 receiver, so an upgrade at No. 2 could go a long way to pump in more life into the offense.