Las Vegas Raiders added more talent than they lost in 2021 free agency
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders did lose some talent on both sides of the ball, but not as much as they added this free agency period.
The Las Vegas Raiders did a nice job adding talent this free agency period, as they brought in players on both sides of the ball that are going to help them right away. The Raiders made plenty of mistakes in free agency the last two offseason, and due to that, they had to be a bit smarter with the money, especially with a lowered salary cap.
Sure, they had to let some talent go, like Nelson Agholor at the wide receiver group, and Devontae Booker at running back, but they definitely added more talent than they lost. Looking at the roster, there are still issues on offense and defense but based on what the team had to spend, and what they actually lost in free agency, you have to believe they have added more than they have lost.
Raiders added quality talent on both sides of the ball
We will start with the big name, Yannick Ngakoue, who will come in and be another edge rusher that the Raiders can utilize to shore up their issues getting after the quarterback. Last season, Las Vegas had only 21 sacks as a team, with seven coming from Maxx Crosby, so getting Madd Maxx some help in that department is certainly going to help.
Las Vegas added more than just Ngakoue to the defensive line, they brought back Johnathan Hankins and took fliers on guys like Solomon Thomas, Quinton Jefferson, and Darius Philon. At linebacker, Nicholas Morrow returns, and the team is also getting back a healthy Tanner Muse.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders swapped out Agholor for John Brown, and in the process, they saved a ton of money. They also added a versatile weapon in Kenyan Drake to take over for the departed Devontae Booker, so you have to consider that an upgrade as well.
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Overall, the first two waves of free agency were actually a success for the Raiders, as they also locked up franchise left tackle Kolton Miller through the 2025 season. It has been a smart start to the offseason for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden, now they just have to make sure they hit a home run come the 2021 NFL Draft.