The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2023 journey unfolded in two distinct halves. Starting with a hopeful 5-2 record, they grappled to sustain their momentum and ultimately closed the season at 8-9. Despite witnessing the emergence of young talents and notable performances from seasoned veterans, the team battled inconsistency throughout the year. They also lost Jimmy Garoppolo for a significant part of the season and had a major coaching change. As such, they struggled for continuity on both ends of the field. Defensively, the Raiders encountered difficulties in pass coverage and maintaining consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. As they pivot towards the 2024 season, astute moves in free agency will be pivotal in addressing these lingering concerns.

Former Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco has joined Las Vegas heading into the 20224 offseason. As such, the Raiders have fortified their front-office framework. However, the focus now shifts to enhancing a roster that has exhibited glimpses of promise but remains a work in progress.

Armed with $42.6 million in projected cap space and the 13th overall pick in April’s draft, the Raiders have the resources to bolster their squad. Nonetheless, triumphing in the offseason necessitates more than merely securing a few marquee names.

Here we will look at the four sneaky good NFL free agents whom the Las Vegas Raiders need to sign during the 2024 offseason.

One of the initial steps the Raiders should take this offseason involves parting ways with Jimmy Garoppolo. With Josh McDaniels departed, Garoppolo’s value to the Raiders diminishes. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would yield $12.1 million in cap space savings. Subsequently, the Raiders’ priority should be securing a new quarterback to challenge Aidan O’Connell during training camp.

Sure, O’Connell performed adequately in 2023 and achieved a 5-5 record as the starter. However, his performance didn’t demonstrate enough to merit permanent command of the offense. The Raiders might not necessarily supplant O’Connell outright, but they must introduce competition. Fortunately, the Raiders have various quarterback options available this offseason.

One potential target for the Raiders is free agent Baker Mayfield. Of course, his market value is expected to be significantly higher than it was a year ago. That’s thanks to a much better performance in 2023, leading Tampa Bay to the Divisional Round. Although the Buccaneers are likely interested in extending their relationship with him, the Raiders should still actively pursue him.

In addition to strengthening their quarterback position, the Raiders should bolster their ground game. This often posed challenges in 2023. As part of this process, the Raiders should consider moving on from Josh Jacobs.

Jacobs played under the franchise tag last season and will enter free agency in March. With a projected market value of $10.6 million annually, the Raiders shouldn’t be inclined to pay that amount for a back who averaged 3.5 yards per carry in 2023.

As for Zamir White, he demonstrated his capabilities as a ball-carrier towards the end of the season. As such, the Raiders should seek another strong complementary back to pair with him. One potential option could be Gus Edwards. The Baltimore Ravens opted not to re-sign Edwards, making him available as a free agent soon. He appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Ravens, starting nine. He also achieved career highs in various statistical categories in 2023.