While the search for a head coach captures the headlines, the foundational work of building the 2026 Las Vegas Raiders roster is already quietly underway. On January 5, 2026, the day after their season-ending victory, the team announced the signing of 12 players to Reserve/Future contracts. These signings, followed by the addition of long snapper Alex Ward on January 21, represent the first building blocks of the new season, offering a glimpse into the depth chart battles to come.
Reserve/Future contracts are standard offseason procedure. They secure the rights to players who were not on an active NFL roster at the end of the season, allowing them to participate in offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason with the team that signed them. It’s an opportunity for young players, veterans seeking redemption, and practice squad members to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
The January 5 group features several intriguing names that Raiders fans should familiarize themselves with:
- TE Albert Okwuegbunam Jr.: A former Denver Broncos draft pick, “Albert O” brings size and athleticism to a tight end room. He will look to carve out a role in what will be a new offensive system.
- WR Brenden Rice: The son of NFL legend Jerry Rice, the rookie wide receiver spent the 2025 season on the Raiders’ practice squad. He will aim to make the leap to the active roster in 2026 and begin crafting his own legacy.
- G Layden Robinson: An offensive lineman who provides depth and competition for the interior of the line, a area that may see change with starter Dylan Parham entering free agency.
- WR Justin Shorter: Another rookie wideout from the 2025 class, Shorter offers a big-bodied target. He will compete for a role in a receiver corps looking for consistent contributors behind the established starters.
The rest of the group includes players like defensive lineman Marquan McCall, linebacker DeAndre Square, and defensive back Jaquan Amos, all of whom will look to impress the new coaching staff during offseason activities. The signing of long snapper Alex Ward weeks later indicates the team is also ensuring competition for specialist roles.
For these 13 players, the contract is a foot in the door. Their 2025 seasons were spent on practice squads or out of the league entirely. Now, they have a guaranteed opportunity to be part of the Raiders’ offseason program. They will be among the first players the new head coach evaluates, and their performance in the spring and summer will determine if they can transition from a futures contract to a spot on the Week 1 roster. In a season of transition, these signings are the first step in identifying the hidden gems and depth pieces that can help turn the franchise around.