Raiders: Reasons why Las Vegas will return to the playoffs next season

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 17: New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels stands on the field before their game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 17: New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels stands on the field before their game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
4 of 5
Raiders
Feb 3, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; An image of newly hired Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders: Reasons why Las Vegas will return to the playoffs next season

Ziegler’s First Offseason

How Ziegler approaches this offseason will have a huge impact on Las Vegas’ potential success in 2022. While this team does have playoff potential, they still need to make some editions to make the team a serious Super Bowl contender.

It all starts in a few weeks with the free-agent period. Ziegler will have to create cap space by making a few cuts, most likely parting ways with players like Nick Kwiatkowski and Cory Littleton. Ziegler will also have to decide on what free agents to bring in depending on fit and contract size. He also may want to move some pieces by making a trade or two. If he can nail most of those moves, then that would set the Raiders up well.

There will be a lot of pressure on Ziegler come draft time thanks to Las Vegas’ draft history these past three years. Who Ziegler decides to target will depend on who the team adds in free agency. But regardless, getting valuable talent in the draft would be huge for the team.

Schedule