The Las Vegas Raiders enter 2026 with a new head coach, a new franchise quarterback, and legitimate optimism for the first time in years. Klint Kubiak takes over a roster that's been aggressively reshaped via free agency and the draft, headlined by first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Here's a complete breakdown of the Raiders' offseason and what to expect as camp gets underway.
A New Era at Quarterback
The Raiders shipped Geno Smith to the Jets for a sixth-round pick and signed Kirk Cousins to a one-year, $20 million fully guaranteed deal with a club option for two years at $80 million. Then they drafted Fernando Mendoza first overall — the first quarterback Las Vegas has selected in the first round since 2007. Mendoza has elite arm talent and mobility, making him the perfect building block. Cousins provides a veteran bridge option, allowing Mendoza to develop without being thrown into the fire. The plan is clear: Cousins starts Week 1, Mendoza learns, and the transition happens when Mendoza is ready. Kenny Pickett departed for Carolina on a one-year, $7.5 million deal.
Key Free Agent Additions
The Raiders were aggressive in free agency, targeting prime-aged talent across multiple positions. The headliner was center Tyler Linderbaum, signed to a three-year, $81 million deal that immediately upgrades the interior offensive line. Edge rusher Kwity Paye arrived on a three-year, $48 million contract, giving the Raiders a legitimate pass-rushing threat opposite Maxx Crosby. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor signed a three-year, $35 million deal after flashing big-play potential in Minnesota (858 yards, 10 TDs over the last two seasons). Cornerback Taron Johnson was acquired via trade from Buffalo, bringing a veteran presence to a young secondary. Left tackle Kolton Miller was re-signed to keep the offensive line intact. The Raiders also added Spencer Burford on a one-year deal for guard depth and cornerback Jermod McCoy in the fourth round.
The Draft Class
Beyond Mendoza, the Raiders added 10 draft picks. Second-round safety Treydan Stukes from Arizona brings ball-hawking ability (seven interceptions in college). Third-round defensive end Keyron Crawford adds pass-rush depth. Third-round guard Trey Zuhn III (Texas A&M, 6-7, 319 pounds) fills a need for interior depth. Fourth-round running back Mike Washington Jr. provides a big back option at 6-2, 228 pounds. Fifth-round cornerback Hezekiah Masses and safety Dalton Johnson add secondary depth. Seventh-round defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (NC State, 6-4, 315) is a run-stuffing project. The Raiders also signed 17 undrafted free agents, reloading the bottom of the roster.
Notable Departures
The Raiders lost several key contributors. Edge rusher Tyree Wilson was traded to New Orleans. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett departed in free agency. Running backs Zamir White and Raheem Mostert are gone. Guard Dylan Parham signed with the Jets. Defensive tackle Leki Fotu joined the Giants. The offensive line also lost Stone Forsythe and Alex Cappa. But Las Vegas did well to fill most of these holes through free agency and the draft.
2026 Schedule
The Raiders open at home against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, followed by a road trip to face the Chargers. The schedule includes matchups against the Bills, Rams, Seahawks, and a Week 8 trip to New England. The bye comes in Week 13 after a tough November stretch. The Raiders face Denver twice in three weeks (Weeks 11 away, 15 home) and host Kansas City in Week 4. They close the season at Arizona in Week 17 and at Kansas City in a Week 18 flex game. With 17 games including six divisional battles, the road to relevance runs through the AFC West.
Camp Storylines
The biggest camp battle is at quarterback between Cousins and Mendoza — not for the starting job this year, but for the timeline. How quickly can Mendoza force the issue? The secondary is young but talented with Treydan Stukes, Taron Johnson, and Jakorian Bennett competing for starting roles. The offensive line should be improved with Linderbaum anchoring the middle. Edge rusher depth behind Crosby and Paye is a question. Pete Carroll rebuilt this roster in a single offseason, and now it's time to see if it works.
Rebecca Hayes
Rebecca Hayes writes sports features, previews, and event coverage with a focus on the people, trends, and storylines that fans care about.