As the Las Vegas Raiders turn the page to the 2026 offseason, the state of their roster is one of both significant opportunity and considerable uncertainty. With the second-most salary cap space in the NFL and nearly two dozen players hitting free agency, the franchise's new leadership has a blank canvas.
Financial Firepower The Raiders are projected to have approximately $82.4 million in effective salary cap space for the 2026 league year. This war chest positions them as major players in free agency, able to address multiple glaring needs. Analysts have already connected them to top-tier impending free agents, with San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk frequently mentioned as a potential target to provide a true No. 1 weapon. The team also faces a crucial decision on kicker Daniel Carlson, a pending free agent whose 60-yard game-winner against Kansas City in Week 18 underscored his value.
The Pending Free Agent List A total of 24 Raiders are set to become free agents when the new league year begins on March 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. PT. This list includes several key starters and contributors:
- DT Adam Butler: A defensive leader who suffered a biceps injury in the season finale.
- G Dylan Parham: A staple on the offensive line who missed Week 18 due to illness.
- RB Raheem Mostert: The veteran back who battled knee/ankle issues late in the year.
- QB Geno Smith: The 2025 starter, whose future is clouded by his ankle and shoulder injuries.
- WR Tyler Lockett: The veteran receiver acquired prior to the 2025 season.
- EDGE Malcolm Koonce: A productive pass rusher whose retention will be a priority.
This exodus creates holes but also offers the new regime a chance to shape the roster in its own image.
Building the 90-Man Roster: Reserve/Future Signings The Raiders have begun constructing their offseason roster, announcing 12 Reserve/Future signings. These players, who were not on an active roster at the end of the season, will compete for spots in training camp. Notable signings include long snapper Alex Ward (signed January 21, 2026), linebacker Jamin Davis, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II, guard McClendon Curtis, and defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae.
Injury Report: Road to Recovery The health of several cornerstone players will be a major storyline this spring:
- OT Kolton Miller: The franchise left tackle, who signed a 3-year, $66 million extension late in the 2025 season, finished the year on Injured Reserve with a high ankle sprain. His recovery is paramount.
- DE Maxx Crosby: The heart and soul of the defense also ended 2025 on IR. His return to full health is non-negotiable for the 2026 defense.
- C Jordan Meredith & G Jackson Powers-Johnson: Two key interior linemen who spent the season on IR. Their development and health are critical for the offensive line's future.
- S Isaiah Pola-Mao: Ended the season listed as questionable.
Suspension Note Defensive tackle Darius Latham will begin the 2026 season serving a four-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse, depleting early-season defensive line depth.
The Raiders' roster is in a state of flux, but the combination of cap space, a high draft pick, and a new coaching staff provides a rare opportunity for a comprehensive and accelerated rebuild. The decisions made between now and the start of training camp will define the 2026 season.