The Las Vegas Raiders may have stumbled to a 3-14 record last season, but that doesn't mean their fan base has given up hope. In fact, when we asked our community which remaining in-house free agents they'd like to see back in Silver and Black, the response was clear: there's still talent worth keeping—if the price is right.
Let's be honest—being an unrestricted free agent on a team that won just three games isn't exactly a ringing endorsement. But for a franchise looking to rebuild its identity, sometimes the right role players at the right price can make all the difference.
Linebacker Depth Could Be Key
One name that keeps coming up is Roberts. Last season, he graded out impressively against the run (76.7 PFF, ranking 21st among 88 qualifying linebackers). The problem? His pass coverage was a glaring weakness (36.4 PFF)—a flaw many of us saw coming when he was thrust into an every-down role. Missed tackles also plagued his game, with most of them happening in coverage. Still, as a rotational inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme—especially one deployed in key run situations—Roberts could be a valuable package player. If his asking price drops to match his limitations, his high-character, hard-nosed style could earn him a roster spot.
Then there's Adams, whose 12 missed tackles last year were hard to ignore. But dig deeper, and you'll find some bright spots: a 71.4 PFF pass-rushing grade (20th among linebackers) and a 69.2 coverage grade. Overall, he ranked 33rd out of 88 linebackers with a 63.7 PFF grade on limited snaps. Again, it's all about value. If the contract reflects his role as a situational contributor, Adams could provide quality production off the bench.
The Kicker Conundrum
Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list is Carlson, who remains unsigned. His numbers have dipped, and his clutch factor has been questioned in recent seasons. But context matters: Carlson was paid top-10 kicker money on his last deal (four years, $18.4 million), and a new contract could have pushed him into the top five. With punter AJ Cole already the highest-paid at his position, letting Carlson walk was likely a cost-cutting move to better align production with pay.
But what if his price tag comes down? Suddenly, Carlson's relative value skyrockets. It would be hard to argue that Matt Gay—who provides similar production for just $1.6 million this year—is a better kicker than Carlson. The real debate isn't about talent; it's about value for the dollar.
As the Raiders continue their offseason retooling, these free agents represent more than just familiar faces. They're potential bargains that could help a young team find its footing—one smart signing at a time.
