10 best available free agents to fit Raiders needs

It’s Friday, which means the end of the work week. It also means it’s been two work weeks since the free agent market opened for business. The Raiders handled their number one business, which was to land top free agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. His addition along with the return of Adam Butler and John Jenkins helped to solidify the definsive interior, but that still leaves them with plenty to do to get this team in good shape headed into the draft.

They have some $28.3 million in cap room with which to try and add some upgrades, competition, and insurance at several position still in need. And there is still some talent out there who could provide what they need.

This is the top ten free agents still on the market who could come in and fill a need position for the Raiders.

CB Stephon Gilmore (33)

Dec 19, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore (9) jogs on the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Even at 33, he has been a solid starter with multiple interceptions and double digit pass breakups each season.

CB Steven Nelson (31)

Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson (21) moves the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

Journeyman who plays well wherever he goes and is coming off one of his best seasons with four picks and 12 pass breakups.

T Mekhi Becton (24)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 06: Mekhi Becton #77 of the New York Jets blocks Arden Key #99 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

At very least the Raiders need competition for Thayer Munford at right tackle. This former 11th overall pick could provide that.

WR Tyler Boyd (29)

Nov 21, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders lost a former Pro Bowl slot receiver when they cut Hunter Renfrow. That’s where Boyd does some of his best work and he’s averaged over 850 yards receiving and nearly five TD’s per season the past six years.

CB Adoree Jackson (28)

Nov 7, 2021; East Rutherford, N.J., USA;Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) cannot catch a pass in the end zone as New York Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (22) defends at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Was acquired by the Giants in 2021 and was a full time starter under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

G Dalton Risner (28)

Jan 1, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner (66) on field against the Kansas City Chiefs during a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It took Risner a while to sign last offseason, and it’s shaping up that way again. But the former second round pick has started nearly every game of his career.

T/G Andrus Peat (30)

Jan 13, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive guard Andrus Peat (75) lines up against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter of a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Can play either tackle or guard. Just depends on where he is needed.

CB Tre'Davious White (29)

Jan 8, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White (27) intercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Was an All Pro cornerback before being plagued by injuries the past three seasons.

G Cody Whitehair (31)

Sep 25, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Cody Whitehair (65) blocks against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field. Chicago defeated Houston 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Was a full time starter for the Bears under OC Luke Getsy who now holds the same position for the Raiders.

CB Xavien Howard (30)

Sep 23, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (25) makes an interception in front of Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Is a season removed from making three straight Pro Bowls. Became a cap casualty this offseason.