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Raiders Mailbag: What areas of need remain after first wave of free agency?

Jack Vict asks:

"Not too many O-lineman signed, is there a youth movement i.e. using the linemen from last year's draft?"

There seems to be a youth movement across the entire roster throughout free agency, especially offensive line.

As of March 18, the Raiders signed two offensive linemen in free agency: center Tyler Linderbaum and guard Spencer Burford, both of whom are 25 years old. While the Raiders are bound to use the rest of free agency and the NFL Draft in April to continue building depth, General Manager John Spytek expects the young lineman currently on the roster to compete.

"I'm comfortable with where those guys are at," Spytek said at the NFL Combine of the Raiders' 2025 draft class. "They're about the right things. They're football guys first. They're in the building training every day. I don't think Caleb Rogers has missed a day since the season ended right now. So, I'm happy with those guys. They're on the right path."

Tim Mischock from Wisconisn asks:

"Are you still going to try to get a a true No. 1 receiver in free agency?"

Of the receivers remaining in free agency, Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel are the top No. 1 receivers available. Both Jennings and Samuel have played under Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak, when he was the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.

Free agent acquisition Jalen Nailor has a chance to earn the WR1 role – as do the other receivers on the roster.

Despite being in the same receiving corps with All-Pro Justin Jefferson and 2023 first-rounder Jordan Addison, Nailor still managed to record 57 catches for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns in the last two seasons. If anything, there's an argument to be made that coming to the Raiders could unlock his true potential as a receiver.

Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. could see expanded roles in Kubiak's offense, and it's also worth noting speedster Tre Tucker is coming off his best season to date in which he led the team in receiving yards (696) and caught five touchdowns.

26_Free Agency Tracker_Web_NEW_2560x1440

2026 Free Agent Tracker

Complete coverage for monitoring all of the Raiders' free agent activity. Be sure to check back for official news and transactions.

Lance Douglas from Texas asks:

"What will the Raiders do with the second-round pick?"

Quickly revisiting Tim's previous question about acquiring a top receiver, I believe this is the draft pick to do so.

With the No. 36 overall pick, the Raiders have a chance to bring in a top tier wideout on Day 2 like Georgia's Zachariah Branch, Texas A&M's KC Concepcion or Washington's Denzel Boston.

If Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. slides out of the first round to No. 36, that's one name to watch. With the Raiders projected to take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, they could provide him with a player he's already familiar with in Cooper.

Outside of receiver, I could also see the Raiders turning their attention to the secondary. This year's safety class seems to be deep, with Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or TCU's Bud Clark all suitable options on Day 2 who could quickly emerge as starters.

Andrew Ross from Nevada asks:

"Are we going to sign a QB now that Geno has been traded?"

Aidan O'Connell is the lone quarterback on the Raiders roster after Geno Smith was traded to the New York Jets.

So, signing another quarterback seems inevitable.

Kirk Cousins is seemingly one of the best available options. The 14-year veteran, who was released by the Falcons with a post-June 1 designation, is a four-time Pro Bowler with 88 career wins as a starter. Kubiak was his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator from 2019-2021 with the Vikings.

Another option is Joe Flacco, who has 18 years of experience under his belt. In his last two seasons playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, he's thrown 27 touchdowns.

The Las Vegas Raiders were on hand as the Pop Warner Youth Football League held a combine for the upcoming season.

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