Recapping a busy start to Raiders’ free agency

Las Vegas Raiders free agency got off to a strong start as the silver and black signed multiple players to deals for 2026 and beyond.

BY SACTOWN SPORTS

Mar 10, 2026, 12:39 PM Updated: 8:24 pm

Follow on Google News

Watch: Jake Gadon: The Kings FINALLY Found Their Franchise Player? + 49ers & Sac State Predictions | 24 mins

Raiders free agency is already shaping up to be one of the most aggressive spending sprees in the NFL, as Las Vegas added talent across both sides of the ball with a series of big-money moves during the first 24 hours of the negotiating period.

The biggest splash came on the offensive line with the signing of center Tyler Linderbaum to a three-year, $81 million deal. Locking down one of the league’s premier young centers gives the Raiders an anchor in the middle of the offensive line and a foundational piece for the offense moving forward.

Las Vegas also added help at wide receiver, signing Jalen Nailor to a three-year, $35 million contract to bring more speed and playmaking ability to the receiving corps.

Nailor, 27, hauled in 444 yards and four touchdowns during the 2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings.

“The Raiders got a lot of players that a lot of other teams wanted..

They got an all world center in Tyler Linderbaum for Fernando Mendoza” ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive https://t.co/Lx2ifnT39S pic.twitter.com/Fc8CIM02KM

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 10, 2026

Recapping A Busy Start To Raiders Free Agency

Most of the focus in Raiders free agency, however, was on rebuilding the defense.

Las Vegas added multiple linebackers, headlined by Quay Walker, who agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million contract that includes $28 million guaranteed. Walker brings range and physicality to the middle of the defense.

The Raiders also signed Nakobe Dean to a three-year, $36 million deal, adding another fast, instinctive linebacker who can help in coverage and pursuit.

The pass rush also received attention with the addition of Kwity Paye on a three-year, $48 million contract. Paye provides an explosive edge presence and should immediately factor into the defensive front. Las Vegas also added depth to the defensive line with a one-year, $11 million deal for Malcolm Koonce.

In the secondary, the Raiders signed cornerback Eric Stokes to a three-year, $30 million contract and traded for cornerback Taron Johnson, signaling a clear effort to upgrade the defensive backfield.

Lastly, Las Vegas traded QB Geno Smith to the New York Jets in return for a 2026 6th Round pick. Smith, 35, restructured his contract as part of the trade, with the Raiders paying the bulk of his remaining deal.

Trade: the Raiders are sending QB Geno Smith and a 2026 7th-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick, per ESPN sources. Smith returns to the team for which he started his NFL career for in 2013. pic.twitter.com/xp7gvXxYJf

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2026

Trading Smith opens the door for Las Vegas to draft a quarterback with the first-overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft, with Indiana star and reigning Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza appearing like the eventual choice for the Raiders.

Overall, Raiders free agency was about volume and balance. The front office addressed the offensive line and skill positions while aggressively reshaping the defense with linebackers, pass rushers, and secondary help, signaling a clear push to quickly elevate the roster heading into the upcoming season.