Top players Raiders need to sign again in NFL free agency in 2024
The 2023 NFL season for the Las Vegas Raiders was dismal as they were eliminated from postseason contention. The Raiders find themselves at a turning point as the NFL offseason of 2024 approaches. In order to improve their roster and compete in the following season, they must make calculated selections. This article explores the important players whose departures the Raiders should give priority during the 2024 free agency season.
The Raiders’ 2023 campaign was marked by lackluster performances and inconsistent play. A deficiency of depth in some areas and injuries to important players were factors in their troubles. Even with impressive individual performances, the team struggled to win on a regular basis. In the end, they were unable to make the postseason.
The Raiders are feeling a little bit like old friends going into the summer. Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach, has made an impression, much as Rich Bisaccia did in 2021. Even though Pierce did not lead the Raiders to the postseason, they have maintained their competitiveness since he succeeded Josh McDaniels. That’s one of the main reasons the team just appointed him as their official head coach.
After the coaching scenario, there is a crucial choice to be made at quarterback. Under Pierce’s direction, Jimmy Garoppolo was benched and Aidan O’Connell took the starting position. Let’s also see how that transpires.
General Manager Dave Ziegler left the Raiders with a favorable cap situation despite leaving. The Raiders, who are now tenth in terms of expected salary space, will have flexibility in handling Garoppolo’s departure. They may choose to pay the $28.3 million dead-cap fee in full or, instead, take a post-June 1 reduction and spread the cost over the next two seasons.
The Raiders also possess the financial resources to re-sign Josh Jacobs, one of their most important players. After talks in the previous offseason, the team’s position on Jacobs is still unknown. This opens the possibility for further important choices to be made during the next free agency season.
Marcus Peters, who is starting his eighth NFL season, proved in Week 8 why he is still one of the best interception artists in the league. When he intercepted a throw from Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, it was clear how good he was playing. Then he brought it back for a spectacular score of 75 yards. No defender has more pick-sixes (seven) or interceptions (33) than Peters since he made his debut in 2015. That bears witness to his enduring influence.
Of course, there’s usually a steep drop experienced by NFL cornerbacks, and Peters has a significant history of injuries. Nevertheless, his outstanding 2023 performances seem to indicate that he is still a very talented player. If he continues to perform at this caliber, getting another contract with the Raiders ought to be easy.
