Key Takeaways:
- Raiders made waves with eight major signings on day one of free agency
- Highest profile signing: Tyler Linderbaum becomes highest paid center in NFL history
- Raiders re-signed Eric Stokes, acquired Taron Johnson, added Jalen Nailor
- Defense gets major overhaul with Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Kwity Paye
- Kicker change: Matt Gay replaces Daniel Carlson
The Las Vegas Raiders came out swinging on day one of the 2026 free agency period, making a series of moves that have completely transformed their roster. Let us break down everything the Silver and Black accomplished.
Tyler Linderbaum, C
The biggest splash of the day came when the Raiders signed former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum to a 3-year, $81 million deal with $60 million guaranteed. The contract is actually fully guaranteed as a practical matter, making Linderbaum the highest paid center in NFL history. The $27 million annual average shatters the previous record of $18 million per year. Linderbaum is the first Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman to go to three consecutive Pro Bowls (2023-25) since Marshal Yanda went to six straight from 2011 to 2016.
Eric Stokes, CB
The Raiders prioritized keeping their own, re-signing cornerback Eric Stokes to a 3-year, $30 million deal with $20 million guaranteed. Stokes came to Las Vegas on a modest one-year deal last season and proved to be one of the most consistent players in the secondary, starting 16 games.
Taron Johnson, CB
Las Vegas acquired veteran cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills in a draft pick swap. Johnson, 29, was a second-team All-Pro in 2023 and is regarded as one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league.
Jalen Nailor, WR
The Raiders added another weapon for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, signing former Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor to a 3-year, $35 million deal with $23 million guaranteed. The Las Vegas native returns home to play for his hometown team. In 55 games over four seasons, Nailor has caught 69 passes for 1,066 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, LB
In a blockbuster move, the Raiders signed both former Georgia Bulldogs linebackers. Dean came over from the Eagles on a 3-year, $36 million deal ($20M guaranteed), while Walker joined from the Packers on a 3-year, $40.5 million contract ($28M guaranteed). Both were teammates at Georgia, winning the 2021 National Championship together. Walker had a career-high 128 tackles last season and became only the second Packers player since 1975 to record at least 100 tackles in each of his first four NFL seasons.
Kwity Paye, DE
The Raiders signed former Colts defensive end Kwity Paye to a 3-year, $48 million deal with $32 million guaranteed. A 2021 first-round pick of the Colts, Paye has been a five-year starter and recorded 16.5 sacks in 2023 and 2024 combined.
Malcolm Koonce, DE
The Raiders brought back Malcolm Koonce on a 1-year, $11 million deal. Koonce had been with the Raiders and provides depth at the edge rusher position.
Matt Gay, K
The Raiders made a change at kicker, signing veteran Matt Gay to replace Daniel Carlson. Gay played for Washington and San Francisco last season and has made 84.3 percent of his career field goals.
Walk the Plank
Day one of free agency and the Raiders have already transformed their roster. Eight signings. Eight! GM John Spytek did not waste any time making his mark. From the Linderbaum signing that resets the center market to bringing back championship teammates Dean and Walker, this is exactly how you start a rebuild. Adding Kwity Paye to the defensive line gives the Raiders a proven pass rusher. The Raiders are clearly committed to competing now while building for the future. Raider Nation should be extremely excited about the direction of this team.
