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[Las Vegas Raiders]

Mailbag: Would Brady & Spytek approve of signing Wilson?

Geno Smith | Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images

Returning Raider Nation’s questions

We’ve heard all the reports and rumors over the past month or so, and we’re finally about to get some answers about the Las Vegas Raiders since free agency begins on Monday morning. With that, free agency is the focus for this week’s mailbag, so let’s get to it!

Q: What’s the long-term plan at quarterback after the trade for Geno Smith?

A: Admittedly, I had to do some back-tracking with the column since this news broke on Friday afternoon, making about half of your questions irrelevant, lol! That’s life covering the Raiders, always keeping me on my toes, especially this time of year. So, this question wasn’t asked but obviously becomes relevant.

For some initial thoughts, adding Smith for a third-round pick gives the team a solid bridge quarterback. I think Smith is better than some may think and has a better track record than Sam Darnold. However, the 34-year-old who turns 35 in October and is entering a contract year clearly isn’t the long-term solution in Vegas.

The Raiders are reportedly going to give Smith a new contract worth $40-$45 million a year, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, but I can’t imagine it’d be more than a two-year deal. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if the organization still looks into this year’s draft class and adds one of the developmental QB3 contenders. Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart and Will Howard come to mind as logical options.

Granted, trying their luck in next year’s draft is an option too, as Smith is certainly more of a temporary option as Pete Carroll attempts to “win now”.

SnB Stop the Run
Help me out. Do we really think the Raiders are a playoff team? A team that could push to get to the Conference Title Game?
The reason why I ask is that this frenetic push to get a veteran free agent only seems to make sense if you are pushing for a playoff.
For me, it makes more sense to focus on the draft and maybe signing a very low cost veteran that requires no commitment in playing time or cap space. I want a long term solution to QB and I think it would be better to focus our efforts there. We just need a low end vet that is competent and can hold it down until week 8.
What justification do we see in this 4-12 roster to think we are in the running to make and sustain a playoff push?​

A: We’re thinking along the same lines here. This was a big reason why I didn’t want to see the Raiders trade/give up a first- or second-round pick for Matthew Stafford. Some people might argue that the Washington Commanders went 4-13 and turned it around to make a Conference Title Game the following season.

But the Commanders used free agency to improve the roster and the No. 2 overall pick on Jayden Daniels at quarterback. So, if the Raiders are going to use that equation, Spytek should spend a ton of money in free agency to fill holes and then trade up for Cam Ward since he wouldn’t need as many draft picks to address other immediate needs.

Adding Smith makes the Raiders more competitive, but I still think there are too many question marks to expect a legitimate Super Bowl run.

Q: Will both Pete and Spytek be evaluating the Raiders’ current players? I’m thinking of a guy like Amari Gainer who, I think with good coaching, could be a terrific linebacker. What is your opinion of him?

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Amari Gainer

A: Yes, they’ve both have definitely been evaluating and collaborating on the current roster to get on the same page since they were hired. Building on the relationship note above, Spytek will have the final say on the roster, but the best and most successful general manager and head coach relationships are collaborative. It’s the coach’s job to tell the GM what type of players he wants and the GM’s job is to find them and decide who best fits that vision. That includes who is already under contract.

I like what Gainer showed in the preseason and think he has the potential to become a quality starting linebacker. He just needs to prove it on a bigger sample size, but I would assume Gainer is someone Las Vegas plans on continuing to develop, especially since Patrick Graham can vouch for him.

Q: What do you think of the idea of going after Ronnie Stanley from the Ravens to play LT, move Kolton Miller to right tackle where he played in college (might prolong his career), move D.J. Glaze to RG where he has played and might be more effective? Could be strong line from left to right: Stanley, Meredith, Powers, Glaze and Miller.

A: I think Stanley is a good player, but I’d rather see the front office spend money elsewhere. He turns 31 next week and battled injuries from 2020 to 2023, missing 37 games during that span. So, I don’t think using cap space on an older left tackle who has been banged up would be a good use of funds.

Since Miller is entering a contract year next season, I’m not that concerned about extending his career. Also, when a lineman spends their entire career on one side, asking them to switch can make them more susceptible to injuries. That’s what happened to Donald Penn when Miller was drafted. Plus, I thought Glaze was a solid right tackle as a rookie, so I’d keep him there. Also, he only took two snaps at guard in college and only played tackle last year.

Indy!
Outside of the bum QBs available, who's your top FA target?​

A: Chris Godwin is up there as he’s one of the best players available and I would be pretty excited if Spytek reunited with Godwin. However, I think the Raiders have a bigger need at cornerback, so I’d prioritize D.J. Reed on the open market. Reed has been consistent throughout his career and would bring some much-needed veteran stability to Las Vegas’ young defensive backfield.

TheGhostOfJanikowski
Who's your under the radar FA target?​

A: Poona Ford, defensive tackle from the Los Angeles Chargers. It hasn’t published at the time of writing, but a film room piece on Ford will be up by Friday afternoon. He’s an impressive run defender who would be an upgrade over John Jenkins, who is also a free agent. Ford has ties to Carroll, having played in Seattle during the first five years of his career (2018-2022).

Q: Why are so many experts so negative about the Raiders’ roster (e.g. holes everywhere)? Then, out of the other side of their mouths, they talk about all of the quality free agents we cannot afford to lose and that it will be difficult to keep them all. Isn’t that quite the contradiction?

A: I don’t see that as contradictory. Part of the reason why people say the roster has holes is because of the key free agents. Come Wednesday, those guys aren’t on the roster anymore and the team will need to add several starters, especially on defense.

If the Raiders don’t re-sign guys like Tre’von Moehrig, Malcolm Koonce, Robert Spillane and Nate Hobbs, then they’ll need to add a starting-caliber safety, defensive end, linebacker and nickel corner. That’s in addition to improving other spots like cornerback, addressing needs on offense and replacing other impending free agents like Marcus Epps and Divine Deablo.

Mark Davis' hair
Besides QB... what is the most important position for the raiders to attack in free agency?​

A: Depending on if Moehrig and/or Spillane get re-signed, safety or linebacker. Right now, the defense is scheduled to lose both Week 1 starters at those positions. So, the front office should be heavily active at safety and linebacker in both free agency and the draft if neither are retained. If Moehrig and Spillane get re-signed, I’d shift toward adding a veteran corner.

SBPB4theCrash
How about the obvious question? What do you think of the Cappa signing given his struggles last year? Suitable for depth?​

A: The return likely won’t be high, but I’d assume Spytek is going to try and trade Dylan Parham after signing Alex Cappa. Parham is entering a contract year and hasn’t been much more than average over the last three years, so I could see the general manager just taking what he can get for the former third-round pick.

I say that because it likely means the plan is for Cappa to be a starter this season. There’s no denying that last season was ugly for him, giving up the most sacks (eight) and pressures (51) among guards, per Pro Football Focus. However, he also had the second-most snaps in pass protection (774) at the position since the Bengals were constantly playing from behind.

Cappa has been good for the majority of his career, and Spytek and Brady should know him well going back to their days in Tampa together. So, the team’s brass is clearly chalking last season up to the seven-year pro just having a down year and feel he’ll return to his previous form.

RaiderPike95123
After signing Maxx and releasing GM, how much effective cap space do we have? By effective, I mean how much cap do we need to sign our draft class and have space left over for in season signings.​

A: Over The Cap has the Raiders at about $80.8 million in cap space with the roster as is (third-most in the NFL) and roughly $74.0 million in effective cap space (fifth-most). I wouldn’t worry about in-season signings too much. Those guys are cheap and should only cost a few million, meaning a $5 million cushion on the high end.

MichaelMatto
You've got $4M to sign a player for one year (any position but QB). Assuming Pete Carroll is telling the truth about wanting to win now, do you spend it on an underperforming low 1st/early 2nd round draft pick who got released after his rookie contract, or a former pro bowl player in his mid 30s looking to catch one more contract?​

A: I’ll take my chances with the young guy and see if he can revive his career in Las Vegas like K’Lavon Chaisson did this past season. Carroll would probably do the opposite though as that’s the safer route to “win now”.

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That’ll do it for this week’s mailbag. Thank you all for submitting questions and, as your weekly reminder, if you’d like to have your questions answered in a future column, tweet them at me, @MHolder95, email them to [email protected] or look for our weekly call for questions on the site. The latter will continue to publish on Thursdays.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/8/24380075/raiders-quarterback-geno-smith-trade-mailbag

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster 2025: A look at a look at in-house replacement if Tre’Von Moehrig, Nate Hobbs sign elsewhere

Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’Von Moehrig is an unrestricted free agent and has an opportunity to either re-sign with the Silver & Black or another team this offseason. | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Las Vegas has more depth at safety to absorb a loss; slot cornerback is a lot murkier

The NFL offseason hits another gear starting on March 10.

That’s day one of a two-day negotiating period unrestricted free agents can have with interested teams. While deals won’t become official until the new league year starts on March 12, the legal tampering window is often when verbal agreements come to pass.

Flush with cap space and in-house free agents, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to be active next week.

The team was busy this week making maneuvers from extending defensive end Maxx Crosby’s contract, signing free agent offensive lineman Alex Cappa, and informing veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew he’ll be released when new league year starts. And it’ll be intriguing to see if the Raiders bring back their own players who are slated to hit free agent market.

Two such names — safety Tre’Von Moehrig and cornerback Nate Hobbs — jump out as homegrown players the team developed into productive and reliable starters. Moehrig, taken with the 43rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, turned into a safety that can cover and play in the box. Hobbs, taken with the 167th overall pick in that same draft, went from outside corner to one of the best slot defenders in the league.

Money is going to be a determining factor when it comes to Moehrig and/or Hobbs returning. And while the Raiders aren’t hurting for coin, the salary cap space can dwindle quickly. General manger John Spytek noted he doesn’t want to let good players leave the building but when want meets finances, things can get murky.

The #Steelers are expected to pursue #Raiders CB Nate Hobbs in free agency, per Nick Farabaugh.

Pittsburgh's interest in Hobbs, 25, could be traced to new defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander. He served as Las Vegas' safeties coach last season, working alongside Hobbs.

In… pic.twitter.com/oeJoz2pDT7

— Steelers Update (@SteelersUpdate1) March 5, 2025​

Thus, lets take a look at who the Raiders have in-house that can potentially step up if Moehrig and Hobbs sign elsewhere.

Does Las Vegas have the talent to absorb the departures of their starting safety and nickel corner?

Under Contract​

Cornerbacks:​

• Jack Jones - $3.263 million cap number for 2025
• Jakorian Bennett - $1.235-plus million
• Decamerion Richardson - $1.160-plus million
• Sam Webb - $1.1 million
• Kyu Blu Kelly - $1.03 million
• M.J. Devonshire - $840,000

That’s a bevy of boundary/perimeter corners who have more experience on the outside than inside. Of that group, Kelly — fifth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 draft — brings the most experience (in college) in the slot (130 over the course of his three-year stay at Stanford, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF)).

Devonshire, a Raiders seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft, did get snaps in the slot last offseason but was waived before being signed to the practice squad, as Hobbs was the nickel defender in the cornerbacks room.

Webb, on the other hand, has the height and length best served on the boundary. And fits the taller and longer profile that’s been a Pete Carroll tendency throughout the Raiders head coach’s career.

While Jones, Bennett, and Richardson have traveled with outside receivers who motion into the slot, that trio are primarily outside cornerbacks.

Granted, Las Vegas could always coach up one of those aforementioned corners to be the slot defender — much like how Hobbs went from an outside defender to excelling inside — but chances are the Raiders are going to add competition via free agency or the draft to improve the group overall.

But there’s one potential option in the group below.

Safeties:​

• Isaiah Pola-Mao - $3.59 million
• Chris Smith II - $1.09-plus million
• Trey Taylor - $989,282
• Thomas Harper - $960,000

Pola-Mao was the first player the new regime addressed when a two-year contract extension was announced last Monday. So the Raiders have one potential starter at the safety group there.

#Raiders S Isaiah Pola-Mao has signed a 2-year extension today worth up to $8.45M, per The Insiders.

An RFA and nephew of HOFer Troy Polamalu, Pola-Mao started the final 14 games and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 16. Deal done by @SteveCaric of @Wasserman. pic.twitter.com/APbMi5Pdkv

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2025​

If Moehrig were to depart, and Las Vegas didn’t re-sign veteran Marcus Epps, that’d mean a new duo in the defensive backfield as the last line of defense.

Let’s start with Harper. The undrafted free agent from Notre Dame was inked to the active roster after being waived by the Los Angeles Chargers (he was slated to be a practice squad signing by the Bolts) and offers slot versatility along with being a safety. He was a fiery slot corner who dabbled at safety in college. And with the Raiders, he played in 15 games (five starts) in 2024 and finished with 26 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, one interception, and two pass deflections.

Las Vegas would be wise to see how Harper would do at slot corner and safety this offseason and preseason.

Smith, on the other hand, was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft and hasn’t quite found his footing on defense. He’s been a special teams mainstay in his first two season in the NFL, however. He profiled as an undersized free safety coming out of Georgia but an instinctual one that excels at read-and-react in coverage.

Taylor, a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft and Jim Thorpe Award winner out of Air Force, offers similar versatility to Harper. While the majority of his collegiate snaps were at safety (deep and box), Taylor was also aligned in the slot at Air Force. He arrived to the NFL with tenacity and violence as a tackler and run defender and a prospect that can cover and make an impact close to the line of scrimmage.

Moehrig’s return would bolster the group overall, but there’s talent there to be developed that can turn into starter material. Like cornerback, the safety room is likely to see more personnel added as the offseason progresses.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/8/24378864/raiders-trevon-moherig-free-agency-2025

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders free agency 2025: It has already started

Byron Murphy | Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Las Vegas has already spent big

The Las Vegas Raiders were poised to have the second most salary-cap room in the NFL when the legal tampering period begins Monday at 9 a.m. PT.

However, after a pre-free agency spending blitz, the team reportedly now has the 14th most cap room.

After taking care of Maxx Crosby ($38,153,250 cap hit in 2025) and trading for Geno Smith (for now, a $31,000,000 hit), the @Raiders effective cap space is $44,529,456 heading into free agency, the 14th most in the NFL.

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 9, 2025​

But that’s OK because they still have money to help fill their many needs and they’ve already checked some big boxes.

• They extended the contract of star defensive end Maxx Crosby, paying him $35.5 million a year.
• They found their starting quarterback Geno Smith and are on the books for big money, but that will very likely change soon because he is expected to agree to a new multi-year contract in the $40-45 million a season range.
• They signed starting guard Alex Cappa to a two-year, $11 million deal two days after he was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Raiders still should be busy starting Monday. Among the free agents they have been connected to are cornerback Byron Murphy of the Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are both expected to get big deal and they both play positions of priority for the Raiders.

Las Vegas also have multiple in-house free gents whoa re priorities. they include linebacker Robert Spillane, safety Tre’von Moehrig, defensive end Malcolm Koonce, cornerback Nate Hobbs and linebacker Divine Deablo.

So, while they have already spent big, expect more checks to signed out of Henderson in the coming days.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ders-free-agency-2025-geno-smith-byron-murphy

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

News: Butler re-signs on multi-year contract

Adam Butler | Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images

Defensive tackle is getting a three-year deal

Free agency officially starts on Monday with the league’s legal tampering period opening, but the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t going to let in-house free agent Adam Butler hit the open market. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders are re-signing Butler to a three-year, $16.5 million contract.

Sources: The #Raiders are keeping one of their own, as they’ve agreed to terms with standout DT Adam Butler.

After a career year, Butler gets a 3-year deal worth $16.5M with $11M in guarantees to stay in Las Vegas, one negotiated by @CJLaBoy of @Wasserman. pic.twitter.com/he3AUl2gA4

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025​

The defensive tackle is coming off the best year of his career. He logged a career-high 16 starts while playing in 17 games and becoming a complete player, setting a personal best with 65 total tackles in addition to eight TFL and five sacks in 2024. When Christian Wilkins went down early in the campaign, Butler stepped into a bigger role and became one of Las Vegas’ best defensive linemen last season.

Earlier this offseason, Butler expressed his desire to return to the Raiders but had also mentioned how he was looking for some more “respect”, signing a cheap one-year deal the previous spring. After putting together a strong campaign, the organization is rewarding him with $11 million in guarantees and a big pay raise.

The 30-year-old turns 31 next month and will be 33 years old if he finishes out this contract. He adds depth to the interior of Las Vegas’ defensive line at the very least and gives the defense another potential starter at best.

The Raiders still have Tre’von Moehrig, Robert Spillane, Malcolm Koonce and Nate Hobbs, among other in-house free agents to make decisions on next week. But the front office is at least keeping one player in the building by re-signing Butler.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/9/24381871/raiders-news-adam-butler-resigns-free-agency

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Potential Raiders targets headed to AFC West

Dre Greenlaw | Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Looks like Dre Greenlaw, Najee Harris will be rivals

Dre Greenlaw is headed to the AFC West and Najee Harris may join him, but it doesn’t appear to be with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Greenlaw, a middle linebacker from the San Francisco 49ers, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Denver Broncos according to several reports. NFL Media is reporting the Los Angeles Chargers are trying to finalize a deal with Harris to bring the Pittsburgh Steelers running back to town.

The #Chargers are pursuing #Steelers free agent RB Najee Harris and hope to close a deal, per The Insiders.

The deal is not done yet. But potentially and if all goes well, a big addition for one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. pic.twitter.com/9XWtP9WKYW

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025​

Both Greenlaw and Harris had been connected to the Raiders at positions of need.

The Greenlaw move is probably more panful for the Raiders. The Raiders have a big hole at middle linebacker now that tackle machine Robert Spillane has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the New England Patriots.

The middle linebacker free-agent class got swallowed up early with most of the top players at the position re-signing with their own teams. The Raiders, who have many needs, may have to look at the draft to replace Spillane. They could give 2024 fifth-round pick Tommy Eichenberg a look, although he didn’t show much as a rookie.

There isn’t a lot in free agency at running back where the Raiders have a big need. Among the best available running backs are Nick Chubb, J.K Dobbins and Rico Dowdle.

Pete Carroll wants to run the ball. The draft is deep at running abck and the Raiders could use an early pick at the position perhaps even as high as No. 6 pick with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty as the target.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/10/24382779/raiders-free-agent-dre-greenlaw-najee-harris

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Las Vegas Raiders 2025 NFL free agency tracker

Jonathan Allen | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

All the latest Raiders’ free agent signings, news and rumors

NFL free agency is here and this is your place to track all the latest Las Vegas Raiders and NFL news and rumors during the entire free-agency process.

We’ll update everything below in reverse chronological order:

March 11

5:17 a.m.: The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with former Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen has reached an agreement with the #Vikings on a three-year, $60 million contract. The deal was negotiated by @blakebaratz of @TeamIFA. pic.twitter.com/vOQ7gUBd4v

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2025​

5:14 a.m.: Jevon Holland, considered the top safety on the market, left the Dolphins for the Giants. Former Raiders’ standout Tre’von Moehrig.

Safety deals:

-Tre'Von Moehrig to #Panthers for three years, $51M
-Jevon Holland to #Giants for three years, $45.3M
-Cam Bynum to #Colts for four years, $60M
-Talanoa Hufanga to #Broncos for three yeas, $45M

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 11, 2025​

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March 10

6:43 p.m.: The Raiders were reportedly interested in signing Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy. However, Murphy is staying in Minnesota on a big, three-year, $66 million contract, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.

#Raiders were interested, but not *that* interested https://t.co/igXSr72z8E

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) March 11, 2025​

4:04 p.m.: Mack Hollins reunites with his Raiders’ coach Josh McDaniels, in New England.

3:55 p.m.: Receiver Michael Gallup, who the Raiders released from the retired list, is visiting Washington.

3:33p.m.: Cooper Kupp is about to be cut. Perhaps the Raiders will show interest.

3:19 p.m.: Possible Raiders fits.

12:15 p.m.: The Raiders are reportedly not among the teams currently in on top middle linebacker target Dre Greenlaw.

12:12 p.m.: Top pass-rusher Josh Sweat is headed to Arizona.

12:08 p.m.: The Denver Broncos are adding solid 49ers’ safety Talanoa Hufanga.

11:17 a.m.: Defensive tackle Poona Ford, who played for Pete Carroll in Seattle, is signing with the Rams.

10:39 a.m.: Potential corner target D.J. Reed is heading to Detroit on a three-year, $48 million contract.

BREAKING: Free agent CB D.J. Reed plans to sign with the #Lions on a 3-year, $48M that includes $32M fully guaranteed, multiple sources tell @NFLonFOX.

One of the top corners on the market lands a lucrative deal in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/YuqJ1HhwvI

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2025​

8:31 a.m.: Former Raiders’ star pass-rusher Khalil Mack is staying in the AFC West, with the Chargers.

Mack is back for more: Sources say the #Chargers are bringing back star edge Khalil Mack for another season, as the future Hall of Famer stays home.

It’s one year, $18M fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/C4MBDN9izl

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025​

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/10/24369248/raiders-news-2025-nfl-free-agency-tracker

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders agree to terms with Eric Stokes

Eric Stokes | Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Las Vegas adds Green Bay cornerback

The Las Vegas Raiders made their first addition of Day 2 in free agency when they agreed to terms with cornerback Eric Stokes of the Green Bay Packers. NFL Media reported Stokes will sign a one-year deal worth $4 million with the Raiders.

Stokes, who turned 26 last week, was a first-round pick of the Packers in 2021 (the No. 29 overall pick). Stokes, who has great speed, has 32 NFL starts. He started 14 games as a rookie and nine in his second season, but just a total of nine starts in the past two seasons. He missed a total of 22 games in 2022 and ‘23 due to injuries.

Stokes, a Georgia product, started seven games in 2024. Stokes will likely be a rotational player or he could compete with Jakorian Bennett for a starting job depending on what else Las Vegas does in free agency and in the draft at the position.

The team has been known to be looking at players at the position.

Raiders’ nickel cornerback Nate Hobbs agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal with Stokes’ former team Monday.

At the moment, the Raiders have Jack Jones, Bennett, Stokes, Decamerion Richardson, Kyu Blu Kelly and Sam Webb at cornerback. They also agreed to safety/cornerback Lonnie Johnson.

In addition to Stokes and Johnson, the Raiders have agreed to terms with safety Jeremy Chinn and linebacker Elandon Johnson since Monday.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/11/24383666/raiders-news-eric-stokes-sign-cornerback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Wednesday open thread

Maxx Crosby | Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

Head to the comments section to share your thoughts and join the conversation. You can sign up for a commenting account below and we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/12/24301940/wednesday-open-thread

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Film room: How Geno’s deep passes impact the offense

Geno Smith | Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

New quarterback can chuck it deep and open up Las Vegas’ offense

The Las Vegas Raiders made the first big splash in the quarterback market this offseason, trading with the Seattle Seahawks for Geno Smith.

This marks the third year in a row that the Raiders have gone the veteran quarterback route since moving on from Derek Carr. While Jimmy Garoppolo and Gardner Minshew quickly flamed out in Las Vegas, Smith brings something to the table that Garoppolo and Minshew didn’t: the deep ball.

Smith has always been known for his arm strength and, according to Pro Football Focus, his 22 “big-time throws” on passes 20 or more yards down the field were tied for the third-most in the NFL last season. Additionally, he registered a top 10 BTT rate (27.8 percent), had the third-fewest “turnover-worthy plays” (three) and ranked fourth with a 3.8 percent TWP rate (minimum 37 deep attempts).

In other words, the former Seahawk brings a vertical element to the Silver and Black’s passing attack that has been absent for years. Let’s take a peek at what that could look like.

3rd & 15 right before the half, Geno Smith steps up and fires a rifle for a 30-yard TD #Raiders pic.twitter.com/vGiOQui8KO

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 10, 2025​

One aspect of Smith’s game that stands out, regardless of how deep he’s throwing, is that he has a good feel for pressure in the pocket. That comes into play in the clip above as the right tackle begins to lose the rep and the quarterback steps up to buy more time while keeping his eyes downfield.

That allows DK Metcalf to get open on the corner-post route. Then, Smith fires a rifle to beat the safety and hit Metcalf in the endzone for a 31-yard touchdown. To add more context, this was third and 15 right before halftime. So, Smith turned what could have been a disastrous play into points on the board.

Beautiful backshoulder throw from Geno Smith #Raiders pic.twitter.com/xt2bwJ4FNr

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 10, 2025​

On top of having the arm strength to push the ball down the field, the veteran quarterback also has impressive accuracy when throwing deep. For example, PFF charted him with the sixth-best adjusted completion percentage (49.2 percent) on attempts 20 or more yards past the line of scrimmage last season.

A big reason for this is that Smith is very precise when making back-shoulder throws. In the example above, the wide receiver runs a go route against a corner with inside leverage, meaning the back-shoulder throw is open.

The receiver adjusts too early, tipping the back shoulder pass. However, take a look at the endzone view above. Smith places the ball perfectly to prevent the corner from making a play on the pass while dropping it right on target for the wideout to come down with it for an explosive play.

Perfect ball from Geno Smith for a TD #Raiders pic.twitter.com/AkdbB5dK0R

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 11, 2025​

This is another perfect ball to beat tight coverage. The biggest difference is that Smith leads Metcalf up the field instead of throwing it back shoulder. Regardless, this is a great throw that’s dropped in the bucket where only the receiver can come down with it to put six points on the board.

What’s impressive about Smith’s deep ball is that he can throw it on a line with velocity while still having enough touch to keep the pass out of the defender’s reach, which this clip and the next one are great examples of.

On the move, pressure coming and Geno Smith delivers a beautiful layered pass to move the chains #Raiders pic.twitter.com/b8oZpsi2jU

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 11, 2025​

Seattle dials up a play-action pass with three deep routes here and all the receivers are pretty well-covered by New York initially. Especially with a shaky offensive line, that makes this a risky play call.

With no one open, Smith steps up in the pocket to buy some time. Simultaneously, the defensive tackle recognizes that a pass-rush lane has opened and loops around to get pressure on the quarterback. However, Smith gave Jaxon Smith-Njigba just enough time to get a step on the defender with the over route.

The defender is still in a position to make a play on the ball, but Smith delivers a perfectly layered pass on the run with a defender in his face to hit Smith-Njigba for a big gain. Another example of excellent touch and arm strength to get the job done.

4th & 15 with the game on the line, Geno Smith escapes the collapsing pocket, throws off his back foot and hits JSN about 30 yards down the field #Raiders pic.twitter.com/rrdR5XIFmw

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 11, 2025​

As referenced above, Smith’s arm strength and playing style also help keep plays alive to execute the coveted “off-script plays”.

In the clip above, it’s 4th and 15 at the end of the game with the Seahawks trailing by five. No one is open initially and the pocket quickly breaks down. But Smith scrambles to buy some time for Smith-Njibga to break free and get open down the field.

That’s where the quarterback’s big arm comes into play as he throws off his back foot about 30 yards down the field, connecting with the wideout to give the team a chance to win the game.

Geno Smith with a casual spin to escape a collapsing pocket, then fires a laser for 6 #Raiders pic.twitter.com/TpCGTQVbx5

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) March 11, 2025​

Finally, we’ll end with another great example of the 34-year-old’s ability to create plays out of structure.

It was a common theme in Seattle last year as the pocket breaks down, again, with all four pass rushers collapsing the pocket in one form or another. There’s barely any room for the quarterback to move, but Smith stays calm and uses a spin move/his athleticism to get out of the pocket — if you can even call it that.

That allows Smith to extend the play and find Metcalf open in the endzone, firing a laser to the wideout for another touchdown.

Clearly, this is something that has been missing in Las Vegas over the last few years and will be a welcomed sight once the former Seahawk puts on the silver and black.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/12/24381580/raiders-geno-smith-deep-passes-film-breakdown

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders free agency: Running back class drying up

Nick Chubb | Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Raiders may have to focus on the draft

It sure looks like the Las Vegas Raiders may look for the next starting running back in the draft.

An already uninspiring free-agent class is quickly evaporating with several top options off the board.

RB deals so far:

Najee Harris: Chargers
Aaron Jones: Vikings
Javonte Williams: Cowboys
Rico Dowdle: Panthers
AJ Dillon: Eagles
Kenneth Gainwell: Steelers
Elijah Mitchell: Chiefs
Samaje Perine: Bengals
Khalil Herbert: Colts
Ty Johnson: Bills
Jeremy…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2025​

The Raiders, who would like an upgrade at the position, were reportedly interested in Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris, but he signed with their AFC West rival, the Los Angeles Chargers.

There are some running backs available, including J.K. Dobbins, Nick Chubb and Miles Sanders. But for the most part, the remaining veteran running back market is lackluster.

While the veteran market is weak, the good news, for the Raiders, is the draft class is strong.

There are many options and the Raiders could look to fill their need at Np. 6 in the form of Boise State star Ashton Jeanty.

Other possibilities include Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) and TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins who were both with new Raiders’ offensive coordinator Chip Kelly at Ohio State in 2024.

After this week’s movement and what’s left, the Raiders will likely look to the draft at running back even if they bring in a veteran to the room.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...ers-free-agency-running-back-class-nick-chubb

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders free agency scorecard

John Jenkins | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Where it all stands

We’re in the fourth day of NFL free agency and things have moved fast. Here is a look at where everything stands for the Las Vegas Raiders;

Unrestricted free agents:

Ameer Abdullah, running back.

Zach Carter, defensive tackle.

Marcus Epps, safety.

Darnay Holmes, cornerback.

John Jenkins, defensive tackle.

Terrace Marshall, wide receiver.

Luke Masterson, linebacker

Andrus Peat, tackle.

Desmond Ridder (not tendered as RFA) quarterback.

Janarius Robinson, defensive end.

DJ Turner (not tendered as RFA) wide receiver.

Cody Whitehair, guard.

Departed in free agency:

Harrison Bryant, tight end, Philadelphia Eagles.

K’Lavon Chaisson, defensive end, New England Patrios.

Divine Deablo, linebacker, Atlanta Falcons.

Nate Hobbs, cornerback, Green Bay Packers.

Alexander Mattison, running back, Miami Dolphins.

Tre’von Moehrig, safety, Carolina Panthers.

Robert Spillane, linebacker, New England Patriots.

Re-signed:

Adam Butler, defensive tackle.

Malcolm Koonce, defensive end.

Isaiah Pola-Mao, safety. (Was a RFA)

Maxx Crosby, defensive end (Would have been a free agent in 2027).

Released:

Gardner Minshew, quarterback (Kansas City).

Andre James, center.

Outside signing

Alex Cappa, guard. (Was cut by Cincinnati on Monday).

Jeremy Chinn, safety, Washington.

Lonnie Johnson, defensive back, Carolina.

Raheem Mostert, running back, Miami.

Elandon Roberts, linebacker, Pittsburgh.

Eric Stokes, cornerback, Green Bay.

Trade:

Quarterback Geno Smith from Seattle for third-round pick (No. 92 overall).

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/13/24385287/raiders-free-agency-review-2025

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025: Get to know Eric Stokes

Eric Stokes | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Las Vegas signed Green Bay cornerback this week

The Las Vegas Raiders signed cornerback Eric Stokes as a free agent recently.

Let’s take a closer look at Stokes:

Size:

6-1, 194 pounds.

NFL experience:

Stokes was drafted in the first round (No. 29) of the 2021 draft by the Green Bay Packers. He has started 32 games in his career. He has made just nine (seven in 2024) in the past two seasons. He missed a total of 22 games in 2022 and ‘23 because of injury. He was fully healthy in 2024.

College:

Stokes went to Georgia. He redshirted in 2017 and played three seasons for the Bulldogs. He was first-team All-SEC in 2020.

How he will fit in with Raiders:

The blazing-fast Stokes, who reportedly signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Las Vegas, is an outside cornerback and he will compete with Jakorian Bennett, jack Jones and Decamerion Richardson, among others, on Pete Carrol’s new defense. It may be a surprise if Stokes becomes a definite starter, but he is a solid piece who should be part of the playing rotation.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/14/24383682/raiders-2025-eric-stokes-cornerback

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders roster 2025: Jeremy Chinn’s arrival gives team another big safety

Standing 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at 220 pounds, Jeremy Chinn’s addition gives the Las Vegas Raiders another big safety. Combined with 6-foot-4 and 205-pound Isaiah Pola-Mao, the Raiders have two tall, rangy, and versatile safeties. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Free agent signing gives Las Vegas another tall, rangy, versatile safety to pair with Isaiah Pola-Mao

A literal Chinn check — in more ways than one.

That aptly sums up the Las Vegas Raiders’ Day 1 foray in free agency, particularly at the safety position.

Tre’Von Moehrig inking a rich deal with the Carolina Panthers was one of many departure dominos to fall on Monday, providing a jarring punch to the the Raiders’ jaw on the opening day of the free agent frenzy. Moehrig was taken in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft and, after a trio of middling seasons, came into his own and blossomed in in 2024 (his contract year, no les) as a safety who could drop in the box to be an enforcer and be reliable in coverage on the back end.

The 6-foot-2 and 202-pound TCU product was slated to be a pursued commodity on the open market due to his production and age (25) and the Panthers handed him a fat three-year, $51 million contract. That pact was one the richer deals reported on Monday.

Yet, Las Vegas didn’t sit on its laurels.

The Silver & Black landed an ample replacement in former Washington Commander Jeremy Chinn on the same day. A second-round pick (64th overall) in the 2020 draft, Chinn is much bigger than his predecessor at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, just as athletic (faster timed speed of 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine compared to Moehrig’s 4.50), and productive and Las Vegas landed the 27-year-old with a two-year, $16.258 million deal. Those contract terms pale in comparison to what the former Raider got with his new squad and represents fiscal responsibility with that value.

Jeremy Chinn is a good signing and cheaper than Moehrig. Not a big drop off if there is one at all. https://t.co/MlBbU95NfX

— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) March 10, 2025​

Jeremy Chinn
By The Numbers

• 2024: 17 games (17 starts), 117 total tackles (73 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recovers, 3 quarterback hits; Advanced stats (per PFR) 1021 defensive snaps (94 percent of Washington Commanders total), 22 blitzes, 4 pressures, 7 missed tackles.

Chinn’s arrival gives Las Vegas another tall, rangy, and versatile safety that can pair with Isaiah Pola-Mao. If that duo were to earn the starting nods at free and strong safety, it’d be a 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4 duo patrolling the backfield that can equally be effective near the line of scrimmage or in the box.

Both give Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham the ability to disguise as they offer similar traits and abilities and are physical safeties. Chinn and Pola-Mao give Las Vegas’ defensive play caller the option of being extra muscle defending the run or another pass rusher when activated to blitz. And both have the speed to feign a box look only to back pedal into pass coverage.

Isaiah Pola-Mao's sack was a combo of a good play-call, good rush from the DL and good job of breaking down to make the tackle by him #Raiders pic.twitter.com/nHaeWITF6a

— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 30, 2024​

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Chinn and Pola-Mao if they’re indeed the starting combination at safety.

Let’s not get it twisted, coverage remains key in a pass-happy NFL and it’ll be up to Graham, defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson, and pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach Joe Woods to elevate Chinn’s and Pola-Mao’s (and every defensive back’s) coverage chops this offseason and during the 2024 campaign.

Compare & Contrast​

Like Moehrig, Chinn is a versatile option who can line up at all the different levels of defense from close to the line of scrimmage, in the box, or deep in the backfield. Moehrig was charted as the better cover man, according to Pro Football Reference (PFR), allowing 38 receptions on 58 targets (65.5 percent completion rate) for 378 yards and four touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks sported a rating of 92.5 throwing at Moehrig.

Chinn, meanwhile, was charted allowing 39 completions against 53 targets, 73.6 percent completion rate, for 459 yards, and seven touchdowns given up.

Both rarely came off the field for their respective teams with Moehrig playing in 1,101 snaps (99 percent of the Raiders defensive plays) and Chinn accounting for 1,021 snaps (94 percent of the Commanders’ total).

Simplest of terms: Chinn is similar to Obi Melifonwu but developed and panned out as a starting NFL defender. Melifonwu was a specimen at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds coming out of Connecticut and was taken by the Raiders win the second round (56th overall) of the 2017 draft. The safety was injury prone and played in seven total games in the NFL (one start) and finished with 24 career tackles over two seasons and was out of the league.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/14/24383362/raiders-roster-2025-jeremy-chinn-safety

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Koonce ‘extremely excited’ to play for Carroll and be back with Raiders

Malcolm Koonce | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Defensive end spoke to the media for the first time since missing last season with a torn ACL

At this time last year, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce was coming off a breakout season and gearing up for a contract year in the hopes of earning a massive payday that quality pass rushers in the NFL receive.

Koonce famously finished the 2023 campaign with eight sacks in the Raiders’ final nine games. That was supposed to be a momentum builder heading into his pivotal fourth year, until a torn ACL at the end of training camp served as an anti-climatic end to his season.

“[Missing last season] was extremely frustrating,” Koonce said during his first press conference since the injury. “It’s like an overall feeling that you let people down, even though it’s something that you couldn’t help, but I’m happy that’s behind me and I can only look forward.”

The 2021 third-round pick has been working to get back on the field and said he’s in a “good place” with his rehab, trusting Las Vegas’ staff to get him ready to play. As one would imagine, it’s been a frustrating process, and he’s faced several tough days since the injury. But he credits the entire organization for helping him get through it.

“I would say the Raiders in general,” Koonce replied when asked about who has helped him push through the frustrations. “I was around here doing my rehab and stuff. So, the strength staff, they were very encouraging. The training room staff, very encouraging. And then, don’t forget my teammates.

“Robbie [Leonard] all the time, he was always giving me little talks and stuff like that. You got Maxx [Crosby], you got AB [Adam Butler], you got Christian [Wilkins]. I was over there with him (Wilkins) talking the whole time too because he was rehabbing. So, definitely just everybody around me, the Raiders organization.”

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce

While Koonce’s primary focus since September has been getting back to 100 percent, the NFL is a competitive league where players have to get better year after year to earn the lucrative contracts mentioned above. Obviously, that’s a tough task for an injured player who isn’t on the field.

So, the pass-rusher spent hours in the film room to get mental reps, do some self-evaluation and study other elite talents at the position.

“You can kind of take some time to come back to the drawing board and look at your old film and look at film across the league,” Koonce replied when asked about what he’s been up to over the last several months.

“Also, since you’re not playing, you can pay attention to guys on the team. So, just focusing on stuff that you see across the league and that you can implement in your game, that’s something I was doing, and just kind of reflecting on my career so far.”

The Raiders took notice of the work the 26-year-old was putting in while on the mend. Despite bringing in a new general manager, John Spytek, and a new head coach, Pete Carroll, word traveled about Koonce as people like Crosby, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and defensive line coach Rob Leaonard spoke highly of Koonce.

That led to the organization re-signing him to a one-year, $12 million contract at the beginning of free agency. While that falls short of the mega deal he was likely hoping to sign, it’s quite the raise from the Buffalo product’s rookie contract that averaged about $1.25 million per season.

Part of the reason he wanted to return to Las Vegas was the continuity with the people mentioned above, especially the defensive coordinator.

“Oh, it’s a big part,” Koonce explained on how bringing back Graham influenced his decision to re-sign. “Pat has kind of seen me grow into the player that I am, so I’m very comfortable around him, comfortable in the system, and it’s always great to be around guys that believe in you.

“...Definitely a good feeling when you come back to a comfortable position with people that you know, people that you know and trust, people that you played with before. It was an amazing feeling, felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, so I’m happy.”

After stints with Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels and Antonio Pierce, Koonce will be playing for his fifth head coach in five years with the Silver and Black. But that doesn’t seem to impact the defensive end’s enthusiasm for the upcoming campaign, as he has a great deal of respect for the team’s new leader.

“Pete Carroll, he’s a legend of a coach, so who doesn’t want to be around him?” Koonce said. “...I’m extremely excited [to play for Carroll]. Just remember being a kid in high school, watching him coach. So, it’s kind of surreal to be around him and say that that’s my coach too, so definitely excited.”

On top of playing for a coach he grew up admiring, there’s plenty of reason for Koonce to be excited heading into the fall. He’s playing on a “prove it” contract and, at this time next year, could end up getting the big-money pass-rusher contract he’s been hoping for. All that’s left for him to do is, well, prove it.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/15/24385323/raiders-malcolm-koonce-pete-carroll

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Mailbag: Will the Raiders target CB, RB in free agency?

Asante Samuel Jr. vs. Raiders 2023 | Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Returning Raider Nation’s questions for the week

We’re officially one week into Free Agency 2025 and the Las Vegas Raiders’ roster has been shaken up. Tre’von Moehrig, Robert Spillane, Nate Hobbs and a handful of others are headed elsewhere while Jeremy Chinn, Elandon Roberts and Eric Stokes are in. With that, free agency will be the focus for this week’s mailbag.

If you have an NFL Draft question, circle back with it next week as I’ll include more draft talk moving forward.

Dafe2cat
With a need at CB do you think the team goes after one of the vets still available? Maybe a short 1-2 year deal? Also how about at RB same question?​

A: I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders make a run at Asante Samuel Jr. from the Chargers. Samuel is the best cornerback left on the market, in my opinion, and he will be just 26 years old this season. He has the ball skills to be the team’s No. 1 corner and is young enough to be a potential cornerstone of the defense.

At running back, taking a one-year flier on Nick Chubb to see what he has left in the tank after the knee injuries might be Las Vegas’ best option at running back. But Chubb will be 30 years old in December and has played in just 10 games over the last two seasons combined, so he isn’t a long-term option. I think the front office is much more likely to take advantage of the deep draft class at the position this offseason.

Chrissv25
Give it to us straight - how much worse did we get?
And would you have given any of Spillane, Hobbs, or Mohrig the bags they got?​

A: The defense definitely got worse in free agency. While Chinn and Roberts are solid replacements, player-for-player, they’re downgrades from Moehrig and Spillane. Obviously, the contracts come into play, and I think Spillane’s and Hobbs’ deals were steep, but I probably would have bitten the bullet with Moehrig. Granted, I might be a bit biased since I’ve been a big fan of his game going back to his TCU days.

After the first week of free agency, I have questions/concerns at free safety, linebacker, slot corner and nose tackle. Offensively, the Raiders do have a short-term solution at quarterback, but the front office hasn’t solidified any of their other positions of need so far.

Q: Are the Raiders using their cap space this year or postponing until next year? How much can they postpone until next year?

A: Per Over The Cap, Las Vegas has $47.5 million of cap space currently available, and that includes Smith’s, Chinn’s and Roberts’ contracts. Given the lack of big moves so far in free agency, it looks like John Spytek is going to roll over the money for next season. Teams can roll over as much cap space as they want from year to year, but they do have to spend at least 89 percent of the cap over a four-year period.

Q: Do the Raiders have Jordan Meredith locked up for this season?

A: This hasn’t made news since Meredith was an exclusive rights free agent and isn’t a big name, but yes, he did re-sign. According to Over The Cap, Meredith is on a one-year, $1.03 million contract. If he plays like he did last season, that will be one of the most economical guard contracts in the league with the market over the last couple of offseasons.

Q: I like the idea of Joe Milton better than anybody in the draft. Send Aidan O’Connell back to Josh McDaniels for Milton? Then you wouldn’t have to use a draft pick on a quarterback. What say’s you, Matt?

A: I wouldn’t mind trading O’Connell for Milton since Geno Smith could be a good mentor for Milton, given their playing styles, and Milton would be a decent fit with Chip Kelly. That would give the Raiders a potential quarterback of the future who has one more year on a rookie deal than O’Connell does.

The problem is that I don’t think the Patriots and McDaniel would be interested in O’Connell. They have their long-term quarterback in Drake Maye, and while McDaniels drafted O’Connell, McDaniels also refused to play O’Connell during his rookie season. So, a trade would likely require draft picks, and there “hasn’t been any action toward a Joe Milton trade” this offseason, according to Ian Rapoport (via The Pat McAfee Show).

AAAA54
Considering some of the sizeable contracts being shelled out to somewhat average DTs this offseason, how is Wilkins' contract looking across the league. (No, don't hold it against him that he missed most of last season with injury because he ddoesn't have a history or being out with injuries).​

A: Christian Wilkins is still the second-highest-paid defensive tackle at $27.5 million per year, per OTC. He’s below Chris Jones ($31.75 million) and ahead of Milton Williams ($26 million) after Williams signed with the Patriots this offseason. A few other notable defensive tackles Wilkins is ahead of are Nnamdi Madubuike ($24.5 million, 4th), Quinnen Williams ($24 million, 7th) and Jeffery Simmons ($23.5 million, 8th).

TheGhostOfJanikowski
What does early free agency signal for the Raiders' draft?​

A: This one is cheating a little since it’s a draft question, but there’s at least a free agency tie to it. I think the free agency moves signal a heavy defensive draft for the Raiders. The defense has lost a handful of starters this offseason and hasn’t addressed positions like cornerback and nose tackle. Especially without an immediate need at quarterback, I think Spytek is looking to load up with young defensive talent in April.

---

That’ll do it for this week’s mailbag. Thank you all for submitting questions and, as your weekly reminder, if you’d like to have your questions answered in a future column, tweet them at me, @MHolder95, email them to [email protected] or look for our weekly call for questions on the site. The latter will continue to publish on Thursdays.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...s-free-agency-mailbag-cornerback-running-back

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Jeremy Chinn, human Swiss-army knife

Jeremy Chinn | Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

New Raiders safety spoke to the local media after inking his new contract

Safety Jeremy Chinn is the biggest addition the Las Vegas Raiders have made so far in free agency, inking a two-year, $16.3 million contract. Versatility is the most-significant reason why Chinn is a valuable acquisition for the Raiders.

According to Pro Football Focus, he’s logged over 1,600 career snaps in box, nearly 1,000 more at free safety and about 1,100 over the slot during his five NFL seasons. That should be a good fit in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s system, as Graham likes to deploy safeties all over the field.

But what is it that makes the former Washington Commander such a Swiss-army knife on the field?

“I would say probably just my skill set,” he replied during his introductory press conference in Las Vegas, “and I mean just being able to process a lot of different things throughout the defense, being able to play close to the line scrimmage and also being able to play deep and kind of understand what the defense is supposed to look like in different spots.

“...Personally, I love doing it. Being able to just present a different threat from lining up in different areas, it keeps me and the defense unpredictable.”

On top of that, the former Southern Illinois Saluki has been developing his versatile skillset since college. He logged 178 snaps in the box, 273 at free safety and another 199 in the slot, while earning a PFF run defense grade of 88.5 and an 82.5 mark in coverage during his final campaign in Carbondale.

In other words, making an impact on multiple levels of the defense and in both phases of the game is nothing new for him. That’s something he feels he’s shown in the NFL since his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers. “I mean, I think I showcased that [I can do it all] as soon as I stepped into the league, that I can play everywhere,” the safety said.

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Jeremy Chinn

Chinn also mentioned that he’s had conversations with Graham already, but they haven’t extensively discussed what his role. However, the free agent addition has spoken more in-depth with head coach Pete Carroll, and Chinn seems to have an idea of which one of Carroll’s former players he’d like to emulate.

“I’m not going to share anything too specific,” Chinn replied when asked about what messages Carroll has shared with him, “but I mean just kind of my role, I guess, and how he saw that playing into this defense and in this scheme. When you look at his secondaries, just the kind of guys that he’s had, you think of Kam Chancellor and the ‘Legion of Boom’ and guys like that. So, I’m just excited to be a part of it.”

Chancellor stood at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds and lined up all over the field when he patrolled the secondary for the Seattle Seahawks under Carroll. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Chinn carries a similar frame and shares a similar skill set as the four-time Pro Bowler.

So, the parallels between those two are easy to see, it’s just a matter of if the five-year veteran can live up to the comparison? We’ll find out this fall.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/16/24385390/raiders-free-agency-jeremy-chinn-versatility

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Can you guess this Raiders fullback in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Raiders player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Raiders fans! We’re back for another day of the Silver & Black Pride in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in the Google Form.

Today’s Silver & Black Pride in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, March 15, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Silver and Black Pride in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Raiders player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/16/24387007/sb-nation-raiders-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders free agency: 5 things about Raheem Mostert

Raheem Mostert | Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Get to know Raiders’ new veteran running back

The Las Vegas Raiders signed running back Raheem Mostert last week. Let’s get to know him better:

Big 2023 season:

At the age of 31, Mostert enjoyed a career year for the Miami Dolphins. He made the Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,012 yards and he scored 21 touchdowns, being a fantasy football monster. He has 18 rushing touchdowns and three receiving.

Dealt with injuries:

While that was a memorable season, Mostert, undrafted out of Purdue in 2015, has dealt with injuries for much of his career. His season ended on the injured reserve four of the five full seasons with he was the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-21. Mostert missed four games for the Dolphins in 2024 when he had just 278 rushing yards. Miami released him this offseason.

Familiar with key Raiders’ coaches:

Mostert played one game under 49ers’ head coach Chip Kelly in 2016. Kelly, of course, is the Raiders’ new offensive coordinator. Also, Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles signed Mostert as an a undrafted free agent in 2015. He was put on the Eagles’ practice squad after a strong preseason, but was signed to Miami’s 53-man roster early in the regular season. Mostert went against new Raiders’ head coach and several assistants for five years in the NFC West when Carroll was the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Speedster:

In Week 2 of 2020, Mostert was clocked at 23.09 MHP. He was the fastest ball career in the NFL in more than a five-season stretch. Yes, he can fly.

Surf’s up:

Mostert grew up surfing in the Atlanta Ocean while he grew up in Florida. He even considered becoming a professional surfer before he fully focused on his football career. Alas, he won’t get many chances to ride the waves in Las Vegas.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...iders-free-agency-raheem-mostert-running-back

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders free agency: Linebacker comes in for visit

Christian Elliss | Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images

Christian Elliss comes into Las Vegas

The Las Vegas are continuing to do their due diligence in free agency a week into the process.

According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, Las Vegas hosted New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss on a free-agent visit. He is a restricted free agent and the Patriots can match any offer he gets.

#Raiders hosted Christian Elliss for visit

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2025​

Free-agent visits are not as common as they used to be, but at this point in free agency they do happen. The Raiders and Elliss are free to agree to terms at any time, but the Patriots will have time to match the offer.

If signed, Elliss would continue a trend of the type of free agents the Raiders are focusing on far this offseason as they begin the Pete Carroll-John Spytek regime He is a rotational backup type.

Elliss, 26, spent the past two seasons in New England. The Idaho product was also with Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. He was also on the prractice squad or in training camp with the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers.

Elliss, one of four sons of former NFL player Luther Elliss to play in the league, has played in 39 NFL games and has seven career starts. Five of those starts came with the Patriots in 2024.

The Raiders saw starting linebackers Robert Spillane (New England) and Divine Deablo (Atlanta Falcons) leave in free agency. They did sign former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts to take Spillane’s place and are still looking for depth at the position.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com...-elliss-free-agency-visit-linebacker-patriots

 

[Las Vegas Raiders]

Raiders 2025 free agency: How running back stack up

Raheem Mostert | Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Expect Las Vegas to add in the draft

The Las Vegas Raiders entered the offseason with running back being a big need. They added in free agency and they probably aren’t done adding at the position,

Let’s take a look where the position stands a week-plus into free agency:

New free agent added:

Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins).

Free agent who departed:

Alexander Mattison (Miami Dolphins).

Current free agents:

Ameer Abdullah.

Returners:

Zamir White, Dylan Laube, Sincere McCormick, Chris Collier, Isaiah Spiller.

Draft:

Expect Las Vegas to add a starting-quality running back in the early rounds of the draft.

Conclusion:

New Raiders’ head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly plan to help new starting quarterback Geno Smith with a strong running game. Mostert had a big season in 2023, but he had a rough 2024 campaign. He will be 33 and he an injury history. The Athletic has reported the Raiders could be open to trading Zamir White, who struggled last year after being the Week 1 starter. That could mean White could have a tough time making the 53-man roster if he is kept. The Raiders will need a lead abck and expect him to come in the draft perhaps as early as the first round with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton as potential targets.

Source: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2025/3/18/24385306/raiders-2025-free-agency-running-back